Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair Surgery
The pectoral muscles and tendons are a large muscle mass that connects the sternum, clavicle and humerus. These muscles are crucial for pushing your arms forward and they also are needed for rotating the arm and moving it in all directions. The pectoralis major tendons connect the muscles to the bones, which is where most “pec” injuries occur. If you have a pec injury or tear, Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center offers pectoralis major tendon repair surgery at our facility in Miami, FL.
When a pectoralis major muscle or tendon is torn, it can cause pain and weakness in the arms and chest. Athletes are the most likely individuals to sustain a pec injury, although it is possible for a fall, motor vehicle or work accident to cause a pectoral tear. Weight lifters are very prone to this type of injury when performing bench presses and other exercise. Other sports where a pectoral injury can occur are football, rugby, gymnastics, martial arts and skiing. This type of shoulder injury tends to occur when pushing your arm outward with great force. Symptoms of a pectoralis major tendon tear include:
- A popping or tearing sound or sensation in the chest or upper arm area
- Bruising in the chest area
- Pain in the chest and upper areas
- Weakness in the arm when pushing it outward
- A dimpling just above the armpit
Pectoralis major injuries are usually within the tendons that attach to the bones. Most commonly, this can occur with the pectoralis major tendon that wraps around the upper humerus.
Restoring the Pectoral Muscles and Tendons
When a pectoralis major tear occurs, it is often a complete tear. A tear can occur between the tendon and humerus bone, but it can also occur between the muscle and tendon. The pectoralis major muscle may also rupture and in rare cases, the tendon can tear away from the sternum. All complete tears do require surgery to restore strength and full function of the arm and chest muscles.
If you have symptoms of a pectoralis major injury, do not hesitate to be examined by a sports medicine specialist to determine if you need treatment. Contact our team at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center in Miami, FL, to schedule an appointment.
