Surgical Repair of Distal Pectoralis Major Tendon Avulsion Sustained during Sports: Our Experience. A Case Report

Keywords: Muscle tear, pectoralis major, anchors, humerus, arm, sports

Abstract

Pectoralis major tendon rupture is an uncommon injury that occurs in weightlifters and rugby players. The objective of this article is to report a clinical case, including its diagnosis and treatment, compare it with similar cases in the published literature, and describe our experience in its management. We present the case of a 45-year-old man with acute pain of 1 week’s duration following physical activity. Physical examination revealed pectoral asymmetry, extensive ecchymosis, and loss of the deltopectoral groove. A deltopectoral approach was used, and three anchors were placed in a double-row configuration. There were no complications, and the patient regained full range of motion and resumed his usual sports activity 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: The outcomes and complications were similar to those reported in the literature reviewed, although there is no consensus regarding the material to be used for surgical repair. An accurate diagnosis should be made and appropriate treatment indicated to prevent future complications.

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Author Biographies

Fabián Pablo Caruso, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Specialist in Legal Medicine. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Natalia Soledad Promizio, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Medical Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
David Marcelo Mauas, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Instituto Dupuytren, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Instituto Dupuytren, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Enrique González Yucra, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Facundo Molina, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Diego Gabriel Korol, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Vélez Sarsfield”, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published
2026-08-29
How to Cite
Caruso, F. P., Promizio, N. S., Mauas, D. M., González Yucra, E., Molina, F., & Korol, D. G. (2026). Surgical Repair of Distal Pectoralis Major Tendon Avulsion Sustained during Sports: Our Experience. A Case Report. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 91(4), 371-378. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2026.91.4.2227
Section
Case Presentations

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