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Pectoralis Major Injuries: Return to Play Potential

  • Sports Medicine Rehabilitation (BJ Krabak and BC Liem, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to present the most recent evidence for the assessment and treatment of pectoralis major (PM) tears and to provide the reader with practical guide for returning the athlete to play.

Recent Findings

The latest research supports the use of MRI in accurately classifying PM injury location and severity and informing appropriate surgical indications. Ultrasound evaluation can be a valuable modality in assessment but has limitations. Recent studies further support operative management of complete tears.

Summary

MRI is the diagnostic imaging of choice. Non-operative management is recommended for low-grade partial tears. Operative repair is recommended for complete PM tears in athletes and young active individuals and can provide excellent results and full return to play at about 6 months, but may be earlier in certain cases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 3800 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Brian C. Liem & Nathan Olafsen

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  1. Brian C. Liem
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  2. Nathan Olafsen
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Correspondence to Brian C. Liem.

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Brian C. Liem and Nathan Olafsen declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Sports Medicine Rehabilitation

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Liem, B.C., Olafsen, N. Pectoralis Major Injuries: Return to Play Potential. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 5, 91–97 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-017-0154-9

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