PECTORALIS MAJOR RUPTURE (SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY)
INTRODUCTION
The pectoralis major is a large, powerful muscle of the chest that plays an important role in upper limb
strength, especially during pushing, lifting, throwing, and contact sports. Rupture of the pectoralis
major is an increasingly recognized injury in athletes, particularly weightlifters and contact sport
players. Early diagnosis and proper physiotherapy management are essential for optimal recovery and
return to sports.
DEFINITION
Pectoralis major rupture is defined as a partial or complete tear of the pectoralis major muscle or its
tendon, most commonly occurring at the musculotendinous junction or at its insertion on the humerus.
Key points: - May be partial or complete - Commonly affects young athletic males - Often occurs during
high-force eccentric contraction
ANATOMY (BRIEF REVIEW)
The pectoralis major muscle has two heads: - Clavicular head – originates from medial clavicle -
Sternocostal head – originates from sternum and upper ribs
Insertion: Lateral lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Function: - Shoulder adduction - Shoulder internal rotation - Shoulder flexion (clavicular head)
TYPES OF PECTORALIS MAJOR RUPTURE
Pectoralis major injuries are classified based on location and severity.
Based on severity: - Grade I – Muscle strain - Grade II – Partial tear - Grade III – Complete rupture
Based on location: - Muscle belly tear - Musculotendinous junction tear (most common) - Tendon
avulsion from humerus
ETIOLOGY
Pectoralis major rupture usually occurs due to sudden excessive force applied to the muscle.
Common causes: - Heavy weight lifting (bench press) - Sudden eccentric contraction - Forceful
abduction and external rotation - Direct trauma during contact sports
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INTRODUCTION
The pectoralis major is a large, powerful muscle of the chest that plays an important role in upper limb
strength, especially during pushing, lifting, throwing, and contact sports. Rupture of the pectoralis
major is an increasingly recognized injury in athletes, particularly weightlifters and contact sport
players. Early diagnosis and proper physiotherapy management are essential for optimal recovery and
return to sports.
DEFINITION
Pectoralis major rupture is defined as a partial or complete tear of the pectoralis major muscle or its
tendon, most commonly occurring at the musculotendinous junction or at its insertion on the humerus.
Key points: - May be partial or complete - Commonly affects young athletic males - Often occurs during
high-force eccentric contraction
ANATOMY (BRIEF REVIEW)
The pectoralis major muscle has two heads: - Clavicular head – originates from medial clavicle -
Sternocostal head – originates from sternum and upper ribs
Insertion: Lateral lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Function: - Shoulder adduction - Shoulder internal rotation - Shoulder flexion (clavicular head)
TYPES OF PECTORALIS MAJOR RUPTURE
Pectoralis major injuries are classified based on location and severity.
Based on severity: - Grade I – Muscle strain - Grade II – Partial tear - Grade III – Complete rupture
Based on location: - Muscle belly tear - Musculotendinous junction tear (most common) - Tendon
avulsion from humerus
ETIOLOGY
Pectoralis major rupture usually occurs due to sudden excessive force applied to the muscle.
Common causes: - Heavy weight lifting (bench press) - Sudden eccentric contraction - Forceful
abduction and external rotation - Direct trauma during contact sports
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