title: Pectoralis major tendon ruptures: when to operate.
abstract: The treatment of pectoralis major tendon ruptures has been the subject of much debate. The classical history of the injury is forced abduction and external rotation. The cases of two patients (an amateur rugby union player and a recreational snowboarder) are reported. The diagnosis was made by clinical examination in both patients, and both were operated on more than two weeks after injury. After surgery and a graduated rehabilitation programme, both men were able to return to their sporting activities. These two cases highlight the advantage of operative management in this uncommon condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland. jfquinlan@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Quinlan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Hurson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D012865:Skiing / Q000293:injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome