Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe the presentation of a patient with a pectoralis major tendon (PMJ) tear.
Clinical features: A 30-year-old male weightlifter presented to a chiropractor with localized left arm pain that began while bench-pressing. Ecchymosis and swelling were present, but no contour abnormalities were seen. All active shoulder ranges of motion were painful with the exception of adduction, which was palliative but weak. A 4-week trial-of-care alleviated pain, but weakness persisted.
Intervention and outcome: Diagnostic ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were ordered. Disruption and retraction of the PMJ were identified on US, and MRI confirmed a PMJ tear. The tear was surgically repaired, and the patient achieved optimal recovery.
Conclusion: This case report provides a clinical example that complete PMJ tears may be difficult to clinically differentiate from a partial tear and must be clarified with imaging.
Author Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle Tear; Sprains and Strains; Ultrasonography
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