Keywords:
Education, Diagnostic procedure, Ultrasound, MR, Musculoskeletal system, Extremities, Anatomy, Trauma
Authors:
F. Diez Renovales, B. Ruiz, N. Nates Uribe, J. Cardenal Urdampilleta, I. Korta Gómez, J. Castillo de Juan, E. Alcalde, D. Grande Icaran; Bilbao/ES
DOI:
10.1594/essr2015/P-0078
Background
Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is becoming more prevalent due to increasing number of both professional and recreational athletes increase.
Complete rupture typically occurs when the muscle is under full tension and subject to additional stress,
is particularly common in activities that include weight lifting and are seen most often in young,
athletic males.
Patients with a ruptured pectoralis major present in the acute phase,
with pain,
extensive swelling,
and ecchymosis of the anterior chest wall,
axilla,
and medial aspect of the affected arm.
A "pop" at the time of the injury is often reported.
At clinical examination,
patients may have a palpable defect along the course of the pectoralis major muscle and there is asymmetry of the muscle. There is also a decrease in adduction strength.
Preoperative and prompt diagnosis is critical to choose the best treatment option,
if surgery is indicated early reconstruccion produces the best cosmetic and functional results