The pectoralis muscle is located at the front of your chest. It comprises:
Both the pectoralis major muscle and its tendon (which attaches to the upper arm bone) can become torn. This is a fairly uncommon injury that mostly affects men aged between 20 and 50, particularly those who use steroids as they strengthen the muscle disproportionately to the tendon.
A pectoralis major rupture includes either a partial or total tear of the muscle or tendon. It is usually caused by activities that involve a large amount of force, such as bench press exercises during weightlifting. It can also occur in other high impact sports such as wrestling, rugby or American football, as well as severe trauma and accidents.
Damage may occur where the tendon of the pectoralis major joins the upper arm bone or where the muscle joins the tendon. The muscle itself may also rupture or may on rare occasions tear off the sternum.
When the muscle ruptures you will experience a tearing sensation in the chest and you may hear a popping sound. This will be accompanied by a sudden severe pain and you will no longer be able to support any heavy weight. You may also have pain in the upper arms as well as weakness and bruising. You may notice a deformity of your pectoralis major, with a lump in the armpit or chest caused by bunching of the pectoralis muscle.
Your consultant will carry out a physical examination and ask how the injury occurred. An MRI scan will be used to determine the location and extent of the tear, including whether it is a partial or complete tear and whether it is mainly in the tendon, or the muscle itself.
Depending on the severity and location of the rupture a number of different surgical procedures may be possible:
It can take at least six months to recover from a repaired pectoralis major rupture and around a year before full strength returns.
