[Traumatic ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle. Apropos of 3 cases].
BACKGROUND
Three ruptures of the pectoralis major are reported. The mechanism of injury was excessive external rotation with high muscular tension. Rupture of muscle often occurs at the humeral insertion or musculotendinous junction.


METHODS
In the three cases, surgical repair was performed. Suture could be made without excessive tension. Patients were immobilized in a sling for three weeks. Passive exercises were begun at 3 weeks.


RESULTS
All patients recovered and had postoperatively the same sport level as before. In late surgical repair the consistent fibrosis makes dissection of the ruptured tendon difficult and it's retraction hinders the suture.


CONCLUSIONS
The symptoms are sometimes initially under evaluated. In limited number of cases the treatment may be delayed: functional disability and strength limitation justify surgical treatment. The results, however, are usually good according to the score of Mc Entire. Surgical repair is recommended in distal ruptures in active patients to restore previous muscle strength and contour.
Rochwerger
A
A
Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille.
Franceschi
J P
JP
Curvale
G
G
Groulier
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012421:Rupture; D013177:Sports; D013997:Time Factors
Les ruptures traumatiques du grand pectoral. A propos de trois observations.