Traumatic Rupture of the Pectoralis Major Tendon - A Case Report

A 49-year-old male athlete sustained a complete rupture of the pectoralis major muscle while bench pressing. The inferior and the superior border of the clavicular lamina and the sternal lamina were fixed with mattress sutures. After that transosseous reinsertion via drill holes (no suture anchors). The lateral rim of both tendons was fixed with Mason-Allen sutures. Final adaption of the distal tendon stump above the reinserted tendon (doubling). Postoperative immobilisation for 3 weeks in Gilchrists sling was followed by active-assistive step-by-step mobilisation. A speedy rehabilitation was planned after 6 weeks, but at this time the patient was doing strength training, swimming, pull-ups and press-ups at his own responsibility. Normal mobility and previous sports activity were achieved in spite of the early and extremely high stress. We assume that the very strong and secure reinsertion technique with 4 mattress sutures, Mason-Allen sutures and doubling of the tendon close to the foot print region may be the reason for the good result in spite of the massive and early loading.