Dr. Jiwu Chen

Dr. Jiwu Chen
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Muscle tendon injury

What are the considerations regarding surgical timing for full-thickness pectoralis major tendon ruptures?

Author: Dr. Jiwu Chen

Doctor’s answer

Full-thickness pectoralis major ruptures commonly occur during heavy eccentric loading such as bench pressing. Acute anatomical repair within the first few weeks facilitates tendon mobilization before severe retraction and scarring occur, optimizing cosmetic contour and adduction strength recovery. While chronic tears can often still be addressed with direct mobilization or allograft reconstruction, surgical complexity is higher.

References and sources

  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/03635465000280012701
  2. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/pectoralis-major-tendon-tear/

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.