II. Mechanism
- Most common in male patients, especially with bench pressing during weight training
- May also occur with arm hyperabduction
III. Pathophysiology
IV. Findings
- Ecchymosis and swelling over the anterolateral chest wall and proximal arm
- Curvature lost at anterior axillary fold
- Observe with arm abducted to 90 degrees
-
Chest wall asymmetry
- Observe with patient pressing both hands together ("prayer position")
- Weakness
V. Differential Diagnosis
- See Shoulder Pain
- See Chest Wall Pain
VI. Imaging
- MRI Chest and Upper Arm
- Test Sensitivity: >51%
- Test Specificity: 64 to 75%
VII. Management
- Surgical treatment is preferred for acute ruptures
- Higher functional outcomes and return to work and sport (when compared with nonsurgical treatment)
- Best outcomes when repair occurs within first 6 weeks
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Related Studies
| Concepts | Injury or Poisoning (T037) |
| SnomedCT | 428761002 |
| English | Rupture of pectoralis major muscle, Rupture of pectoralis major muscle (disorder) |
| Spanish | ruptura del músculo pectoral mayor, ruptura del músculo pectoral mayor (trastorno) |
