Abstract

Pectoralis major repair is increasing in frequency due to the uptake of weight training. Chronic tendon injuries tend not to have as favourable outcomes. We report our outcome of chronic pectoralis major ruptures following surgical repair. Retrospective analysis of 8 patients who were weightlifters, treated for primary pectoralis major repair by one surgeon. Surgical repair was direct via suture anchors and one additionally required fascia lata graft due to tendon retraction. Outcome was assessed by comparing strength to the contralateral pectoralis muscle and the Oxford Shoulder Score. All patients were male with mean age of 36 years. Mean delay to surgery was 25.6 months. Mean followup was 19.6 months and mean Oxford Shoulder Score was 43.7. Six out of eight patients had full strength compared to the contralateral side. Complications included visible skin tethering not associated with weakness, stiffness associated with weakness and a seroma at fascia lata donor site. This is the largest documented study of Chronic Pectoralis Major repair showing excellent outcomes with repair, even if delayed.