Incidence Rate and Results of the Surgical Treatment of Pectoralis Major Tendon Ruptures in Active-Duty Military Personnel

Effects of Gynecomastia Surgery on Readiness and Return to Duty in an Active Duty Military Population

INTRODUCTION

Simple mastectomies are routinely performed in the military health care system as gynecomastia can cause significant pain and discomfort when wearing body armor. Postoperative recovery negatively impacts personnel readiness. In this study, we sought to study time to return to duty in active duty service members who undergo surgery for gynecomastia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of active duty patients undergoing a surgical operation for gynecomastia from July 2020-June 2022. A total of 96 patients were included. Our primary outcome of interest was time from surgery to return to duty. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess for factors independently associated with surgical complications including patient demographics and operative techniques.

RESULTS

The median number of days to return to duty after surgery was 28 days (IQR 13-37). The median loss of duty days because of gynecomastia without surgery was 19 days (IQR 10-21), which was different on the Mann-Whitney U test. Surgical complications were observed in 19 patients (19.7%) with the most common complications being seroma (11), hematoma (4), nipple-areolar complex necrosis (2), and infection (2). Patients with a complication have significantly more time to return to duty (28 vs. 49 days, P < .001). Risk factors associated with an increased risk of complication include ranks E1-E4, behavioral health diagnosis, "open" vs. "combined" technique with liposuction, length of operation greater than 58 minutes, and excised breast mass greater than 17.9 g.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynecomastia surgery is associated with a detriment to personnel readiness. Surgery should be reserved for patients with severe symptoms that prevent the performance of daily duties. Furthermore, factors associated with an increased risk for complications include ranks E1-E5, behavioral health diagnosis, length of operation >58 minutes, and excised breast mass >17.9 g. The operating surgeon should be mindful of these factors.

Repair of an Isolated Sternal Head Tear of the Myotendinous Junction of the Pectoralis Major Using Knotless Suture Anchors: Case Report and Literature Review

Although considered a relatively uncommon sports injury, publications on pectoralis major (PM) injuries have increased in the last couple of decades. Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the PM muscle is important in diagnosing, understanding the complexity of the injury, and determining the suitable modality of management of these injuries. Despite the increase in publications, there is no consensus on the superiority of any proposed surgical management. We present a case of a recreational body builder who presented to our clinics with a rare pattern of isolated musculotendinous junction of the lower fibers of the PM muscle and proposed a new technique of surgical management of such injuries using knotless suture anchors and running locked suture pattern in different directions. We then conducted a comprehensive review of literature of these injuries and presented a review on the pathophysiology, the various patterns of these injuries, and the available described modalities of surgical management. Understanding the complex anatomy of the PM, the various pattens of injury, and the aid of an MRI read by an expert musculoskeletal radiologist is crucial before managing these injuries. We believe that acute surgical repair of musculotendinous junction injuries using running Krackow/Brunnell locked configuration and the use of knotless suture and anchors will provide adequate and practicable surgical repair of these injuries.

Optimizing pectoralis major tendon repair: a modified knotless suture anchor technique using high-strength suture and tape

Background

Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is infrequent but has shown an increased incidence in athletes, particularly weightlifters during bench presses. Various techniques for repair exist, yet no established gold standard has been defined.

Methods

We present a modified surgical technique utilizing knotless suture anchors for PM tendon repair. The technique involves bringing the tendon end superiorly and inferiorly to the decorticated bone surface, ensuring broader tendon-to-bone contact. Knotless anchors with a unique suture locking mechanism facilitate tension adjustment. Additionally, the repair's strength is reinforced by employing both surgical tape and high-strength suture.

Results

The utilization of both surgical tape and high-strength suture in conjunction with knotless suture anchors provides a secure and stable construct. This approach minimizes the risk of failure, reduces the potential for neurovascular injury associated with bicortical drilling, preserves imaging quality due to the absence of metal artifacts, and helps avoid the risk of fracture associated with traditional methods. However, surgeons should be aware of a potential disadvantage of increased surgical costs compared to traditional techniques.

Conclusion

Our modified technique offers multiple advantages, including increased tendon-to-bone contact, enhanced stability, reduced neurovascular risks, and avoidance of potential fractures. This makes it a valuable option for successful PM tendon repairs. Surgeons should consider its benefits and weigh them against the associated costs for optimal patient care.

Treatment of Tendon Injuries in the Servicemember Population across the Spectrum of Pathology: From Exosomes to Bioinductive Scaffolds

Tendon injuries in military servicemembers are one of the most commonly treated nonbattle musculoskeletal injuries (NBMSKIs). Commonly the result of demanding physical training, repetitive loading, and frequent exposures to austere conditions, tendon injuries represent a conspicuous threat to operational readiness. Tendon healing involves a complex sequence between stages of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling cycles, but the regenerated tissue can be biomechanically inferior to the native tendon. Chemical and mechanical signaling pathways aid tendon healing by employing growth factors, cytokines, and inflammatory responses. Exosome-based therapy, particularly using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), offers a prominent cell-free treatment, promoting tendon repair and altering mRNA expression. However, each of these approaches is not without limitations. Future advances in tendon tissue engineering involving magnetic stimulation and gene therapy offer non-invasive, targeted approaches for improved tissue engineering. Ongoing research aims to translate these therapies into effective clinical solutions capable of maximizing operational readiness and warfighter lethality.

A review of chronic pectoralis major tears: what options are available?

Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle typically occurs in the young, active male. Acute management of these injuries is recommended; however, what if the patient presents with a chronic tear of the pectoralis major? Physical exams and magnetic resonance imaging can help identify the injury and guide the physician with a plan for management. Nonoperative management is feasible, but is recommended for elderly, low-demand patients whose functional goals are minimal. Repair of chronic tears should be reserved for younger, healthier patients with high functional demands. Although operative management provides better functional outcomes, operative treatment of chronic pectoralis tears can be challenging. Tendon retraction, poor tendinous substance and quality of tissue, muscle atrophy, scar formation, and altered anatomy make direct repairs complicated, often necessitating auto- or allograft use. We review the various graft options and fixation methods that can be used when treating patients with chronic pectoralis major tears.

Pectoralis Major Muscle Belly Rupture in a 17-Year-Old Female Softball Player: A Case Report

CASE

We report the case of a healthy 17-year-old female softball player with a subacute full-thickness intramuscular tear of the pectoralis major (PM) muscle. A successful muscle repair was obtained using a modified Kessler technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite initially being a rare injury pattern, the incidence of PM muscle rupture is likely to increase as interest in sports and weight training increases, and although this injury pattern is more common in men, it is becoming more common in women as well. Furthermore, this case presentation provides support for operative treatment of intramuscular ruptures of the PM muscle.

Injuries of the Pectoralis Major: Diagnosis and Management

Pectoralis major ruptures are uncommon injuries that have become more prevalent over the past 20 years due to increased participation in weight lifting. Patients often present with localized swelling and ecchymosis, muscular deformity, thinning of the anterior axillary fold, and weakness in adduction and internal rotation of the affected arm. History and physical is often augmented with radiology, magnetic resonance imaging of the chest being the gold standard. Nonoperative management is reserved for old patients with low functional demands. Operative intervention is the treatment of choice with improved functional outcomes, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction.

Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomy of the Humeral Attachment of the Pectoralis Major Muscle and Structures at Risk: A Cadaveric Study

Background:

Surgical pectoralis major (PM) repair can offer improved functional outcomes over nonoperative treatment. However, there is a lack of literature on consensus of the anatomical site of the humeral attachment.

Purpose:

To provide qualitative and quantitative anatomic analysis of the PM by focusing on humeral insertion and relevant structures at risk.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight fresh-frozen male cadavers were dissected. The relevant landmarks that were collected and measured included (1) PM footprint length at the humeral insertion (total, sternal head, and clavicular head insertions); (2) PM tendon length from the humeral insertion to the musculotendinous junction; (3) distance from the PM humeral insertion to the lateral (LPN) and medial (MPN) pectoral nerves; and (4) distance from the coracoid process to the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) in anatomical position.

Results:

The total PM footprint length was 81.4 mm (95% CI, 71.4-91.3). The sternal and clavicular heads that make up the PM had footprint lengths of 42.1 mm (95% CI, 32.9-51.4) and 56.6 mm (95% CI, 46.5-66.7), respectively. The PM tendon was wider at the clavicular head (74.7 mm; 95% CI, 67.5-81.7) than the sternal head insertions (43.0 mm; 95% CI, 40.1-45.9). The distances from the PM humeral insertion to LPN and MPN were 93.2 mm (95% CI, 83.1-103.3) and 103.8 mm (95% CI, 98.3-109.4), respectively. The coracoid process to MCN distance was 68.5 mm (95% CI, 60.2-76.8).

Conclusion:

This study successfully quantifies anatomic dimensions of the PM tendon, its sternal and clavicular head insertions, and its location relative to nearby vital structures. Such knowledge can provide surgeons with a better understanding of the PM in relation to nearby neurovascular structures during anatomic PM repair and reconstruction to avoid debilitating complications.

Clinical Relevance:

Knowledge of the quantitative anatomy of the PM at the humeral footprint along structures at risk may aid surgeons with identifying the injured part of the PM and improve outcomes for anatomic repair and reconstruction.

Surgical repair of acute on chronic seven-year pectoralis major rupture near the distal myotendinous junction: A case report

The surgical fixation of an acute on chronic pectoralis major rupture with inciting injury 7 years prior has never been reported in the literature. Thus, we report the first case of an acute on chronic pectoralis major rupture repair in an active male patient who underwent successful surgical intervention and review the pathophysiology and treatment of pectoralis major tears.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Tears During Airborne Operations: Are These Injuries Isolated?

INTRODUCTION

Pectoralis major tendon tears are an injury pattern often treated in military populations. Although the majority of pectoralis major tendon tears occur during eccentric loading as in bench press weightlifting, military service members may also experience this injury from a blunt injury and traction force produced by static line entanglement during airborne operations. Although these injuries rarely occur in isolation, associated injury patterns have not been investigated previously.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval, medical records were reviewed for all patients who underwent surgical repair of a pectoralis major tendon tear sustained during static line parachuting at a single institution. Radiology imaging, operative notes, and outpatient medical records were examined to determine concomitant injury patterns for each patient identified over a 4-year study period.

RESULTS

Twenty-five service members met the study inclusion criteria. All patients underwent presurgical magnetic resonance imaging. Of these 25 service members, 10 (40%) presented with a total of 13 concomitant injuries identified on physical exams or imaging studies. The most common associated injuries were injuries to the biceps brachii and a partial tear of the anterior deltoid. Biceps brachii injuries consisted of muscle contusion proximal long head tendon rupture, proximal short head tendon rupture, partial muscle laceration, and complete muscle transection. Additional concomitant injuries included transection of coracobrachialis, a partial tear of the inferior subscapularis tendon, antecubital fossa laceration, an avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle, and an avulsion fracture of the coracoid process.

CONCLUSIONS

Military static line airborne operations pose a unique risk of pectoralis major tendon tear. Unlike the more common bench press weightlifting tear mechanism, pectoralis major tendon tears associated with static line mechanism present with a concomitant injury in 40% of cases, with the most common associated injury occurring about the biceps brachii. Treating providers should have a high index of suspicion for concomitant injuries when treating pectoralis major tendon tears from this specific mechanism of injury.

Pectoralis Major Rupture: Evaluation and Management

Pectoralis major tendon ruptures are being reported with increasing frequency and primarily occur in young, high demand, male patients. The injury results from an eccentric contracture of the muscle most commonly while performing the bench press maneuver during weight training. In the setting of both acute and chronic injury, physical examination is critical for a timely and accurate diagnosis. During physical examination, comparison with the opposite side is imperative, and findings may include swelling, ecchymosis, loss of the anterior axillary fold, and a decreased pectoralis major index. Surgical treatment of acute ruptures is superior to nonsurgical treatment and results in improved functional outcomes and high levels of return to work and sport. Repair of chronic tears is more challenging and may require reconstruction with autograft or allograft tissue. Despite advances in surgical technique, tendon rerupture, persistent pain, and wound infection remain a concern.

PECTORALIS MAJOR TENDON INJURY: RECONSTRUCTION USING BONE TUNNEL AND ANCHORS

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to assess a new technique used for pectoralis major reconstruction using bone tunnel and fixation with metallic anchors in the contralateral cortical bone. Methods: Patients who had undergone post-surgical reconstruction of the pectoralis major at least 24 months before were assessed by the UCLA Shoulder Score and the Simple Shoulder Test and compared with the contralateral side by manual goniometry. Subgroup analysis was also performed between grafted and non-grafted patients. Results: 13 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average UCLA score was 34.77 ± 0.12, compared with the standard 27 of good and excellent results p < 0.0001. The Simple Shoulder test mean was 11.92 ± 0.08. Grafted and non-grafted subgroups had no statistical differences for UCLA p = 0.58 and Simple Shoulder Test p = 1.00. Long term losses for elevation or external rotation were lower than 5º. No lesions recurred. All patients returned to their physical activities with no restrictions. Conclusion: The pectoralis major reconstruction technique using a bone tunnel and metallic anchors in the contralateral cortical bone was effective. However, its execution needs special care to avoid complications. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Is Self-reported Return to Duty an Adequate Indicator of Return to Sport and/or Return to Function in Military Patients?

BACKGROUND

In the military, return-to-duty status has commonly been used as a functional outcome measure after orthopaedic surgery. This is sometimes regarded similarly to return to sports or as an indicator of return to full function. However, there is variability in how return-to-duty data are reported in clinical research studies, and it is unclear whether return-to-duty status alone can be used as a surrogate for return to sport or whether it is a useful marker for return to full function.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty also returned to athletic participation as defined by self-reported level of physical activity? (2) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty reported other indicators of decreased function (such as nondeployability, change in work type or level, or medical evaluation board)?

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative self-reported physical profile status (mandated physical limitation), physical activity status, work status, deployment status, military occupation specialty changes, and medical evaluation board status were retrospectively reviewed for all active-duty soldiers who underwent orthopaedic surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord from February 2017 to October 2018. Survey data were collected on patients preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in all subspecialty and general orthopaedic clinics. Patients were considered potentially eligible if they were on active-duty status at the time of their surgery and consented to the survey (1319 patients). A total of 89% (1175) were excluded since they did not have survey data at the 1 year mark. Of the remaining 144 patients, 9% (13) were excluded due to the same patient having undergone multiple procedures, and 2% (3) were excluded for incomplete data. This left 10% (128) of the original group available for analysis. Ninety-eight patients reported not having a physical profile at their latest postoperative visit; however, 14 of these patients also stated they were retired from the military, leaving 84 patients in the return-to-duty group. Self-reported "full-time duty with no restrictions" was originally used as the indicator for return to duty; however, the authors felt this to be too vague and instead used soldiers' self-reported profile status as a more specific indicator of return to duty. Mean length of follow-up was 13 ± 3 months. Eighty-three percent (70 of 84) of patients were men. Mean age at the preoperative visit was 35 ± 8 years. The most common surgery types were sports shoulder (n = 22) and sports knee (n = 14). The subgroups were too small to analyze by orthopaedic procedure. Based on active-duty status and requirements of the military profession, all patients were considered physically active before their injury or surgery. Return to sport was determined by asking patients how their level of physical activity compared with their level before their injury (higher, same, or lower). We identified the number of other indicators that may suggest decreased function by investigating change in work type/level, self-reported nondeployability, or medical evaluation board. This was performed with a simple survey.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients reporting return to duty at the final follow-up, 67% (56) reported an overall lower level of physical activity. Twenty-seven percent (23) reported not returning to the same work level, 32% (27) reported being nondeployable, 23% (19) reported undergoing a medical evaluation board (evaluation for medical separation from the military), and 11% (9) reported a change in military occupation specialty (change of job description).

CONCLUSION

Return to duty is commonly reported in military orthopaedics to describe postoperative functional outcome. Although self-reported return to duty may have value for military study populations, based on the findings of this investigation, surgeons should not consider return to duty a marker of return to sport or return to full function. However, further investigation is required to see to what degree this general conclusion applies to the various orthopaedic subspecialties and to ascertain how self-reported return to duty compares with specific outcome measures used for particular procedures and subspecialties.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Patellar Tendon Rupture, Repair Failure, and Return to Activity in the Active-Duty Military Population

BACKGROUND

Patellar tendon ruptures have a reported incidence of 0.68 per 100,000 person-years in the general population. The epidemiology of surgically treated patellar tendon ruptures in the US military has yet to be reported, which would provide opportunity for identification of risk factors for these otherwise healthy and active patients.

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of patellar tendon rupture in the Military Health System (MHS) population and to analyze demographic patterns, surgical fixation methods, and rerupture rates.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

We utilized the MHS Data Repository (MDR) to identity active-duty military servicemembers surgically treated for patellar tendon rupture between 2010 and 2015. Records were reviewed for demographic information, injury characteristics, fixation technique, and occurrence of rerupture. Risk factors for rupture were calculated using Poisson regression based on population counts and demographic data obtained in the MDR. Risk factors for rerupture and return to duty were analyzed via univariate analysis and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

A total of 504 operatively treated primary patellar tendon repairs in 483 patients were identified, with an overall incidence of 6 per 100,000 person-years. Mean age was 33.6 years (range, 17-54 years) and 98% of patients were male. Fixation method was 81% bone tunnels and 7% suture anchors, and 12% were unknown. Black race had a higher relative rate ratio for rupture compared with the race categories White (9.21; P < .0001) and Other (3.27; P < .0001). The rupture rate was higher in 35- to 44-year-old patients compared with those aged 18 to 24 years (P < .0001), 25 to 34 years (P < .0001), and 45 to 64 years (P = .004). Return to full previous level of activity occurred in 75.8% of patients, 14.6% returned to activity with limitations, and 9.5% were medically separated. The rerupture rate was 3%. Fixation method, tobacco usage, body mass index, and race were not significant risk factors for rerupture.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of patellar tendon rupture in the US military population is substantially higher than has been reported in the civilian population. Among military personnel, men, Black servicemembers, and those aged 35 to 44 years were at highest risk for patellar tendon rupture. Three-quarters of patients were able to return to full activity without limitations. The rerupture rate was low and unaffected by fixation method.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear: A Critical Analysis Review

»

Pectoralis major (PM) tendon tears are predominantly seen in young men, and the majority of tears occur as tendon avulsions involving the sternal head. Weightlifting, specifically bench-pressing, and sporting activities with eccentric overloading of the PM tendon are the 2 most common activities that result in PM injury.

»

Early surgical repair or reconstruction should be offered to younger, active patients with a complete PM tear; the majority of the patients undergoing surgical repair achieve good-to-excellent outcomes.

»

Nonsurgical treatment of a complete PM tear is an option but will result in cosmetic deformity and a deficit in adduction strength of the arm. Outcomes after nonsurgical treatment of complete PM tears are less satisfactory than those obtained after surgical treatment.

»

Currently, there is no consensus on the chronological definition of PM tears (acute versus chronic), the critical time limit for performing surgical repair, the ideal fixation device (cortical button, bone tunnel, or suture anchors), the indications for allograft use, and the ideal rehabilitation protocol after treatment of PM tears.

Traumatic Enthesophyte From a Chronic Pectoralis Major Tendon Rupture: A Case Report

CASE

A 24-year-old active duty soldier with a chronic pectoralis major tendon rupture presented a year later with a bony lesion consistent with an enthesophyte at the humeral insertion. The patient continued to have pain that was affecting his activities of daily living and underwent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Operative management with enthesophyte excision and pectoralis major tendon repair provided relief to the patient's symptoms and return to preinjury levels of function as evaluated with Tegner, single assessment numeric evaluation, and visual analog scale scores at the 2-year follow-up.

Parachute-Induced Pectoralis Major Tears in Military Servicemembers: What Is the Functional Recovery?

Background

Although the most common injury mechanism for pectoralis major (PM) tears is an eccentric loading mechanism typically caused by bench pressing, within the military, there is a unique injury mechanism associated with airborne operations. The results of operative repair for these parachute-induced PM tears have not been previously reported.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To assess the functional outcomes in military servicemembers undergoing operative repair of parachute-induced PM tears. We hypothesized that functional recovery would be impaired with delayed surgical intervention.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Included were active duty military servicemembers who underwent operative repair for PM tears caused by a parachute-induced mechanism. Charts were reviewed to identify characteristic, injury, and surgical variables. Patients completed the functional outcome assessment with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaires. Outcomes were compared between patients treated within 6 weeks of injury and those treated beyond 6 weeks.

Results

Of the 68 identified PM tears, 25 were the result of parachute-induced mechanisms. A total of 13 patients consented and completed the functional outcome assessment. The mean patient age was 30.6 ± 6.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 5.46 ± 1.26 years. Ten patients underwent repair within 6 weeks of injury, and the remaining 3 patients underwent repair at a mean of 338 days after injury (95% CI, -42.8 to 718.8 days), a significant difference between groups (P = .006). All 13 patients were able to return to military duties at a mean of 6 months from injury. Patients treated within 6 weeks of injury had significantly higher functional outcomes (DASH score, 6.17 vs 26.67; P = .018; ASES score, 85.97 vs 49.5; P = .008), with greater strength performance compared with preinjury (bench press, 90.58% vs 38.95%; P = .0057; push-ups, 81.9% vs 23.8%; P = .023) compared with patients treated beyond 6 weeks of injury.

Conclusion

Operative repair of parachute-induced PM tears within 6 weeks of injury provided a superior functional and strength recovery when compared with delayed surgical repair. Acute repair should be recommended for military servicemembers who experience this unique injury mechanism.

Pectoralis major injuries in the military: a surveillance approach to reduce an underestimated problem

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies report increasing cases of surgically treated pectoralis major (PM) muscle and tendon ruptures in military populations. Studies associate this with a growing popularity of weight-training and bench press exercises. Mild-to-moderate non-surgical PM traumas and overuse injuries have not been included in these studies despite evidence that these types of outpatient injuries account for the majority of the military's injury medical burden.

METHODS

To assess rates of all PM injuries (ruptures, tears, strains, overuse), regardless of form of treatment, a PM injury surveillance definition was derived from International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnostic codes used in routine US Army injury surveillance. A detailed clinical examination of 2016 Active Duty Army medical records was used to identify ICD codes commonly associated with PM injuries. Cost data were calculated and the definition applied to medical data from 2016 through 2018to assess trends.

RESULTS

The estimated incidence of PM cases among soldiers was over 95% greater than if only considering severe surgical cases. Over 96% of army annual PM injury costs (direct medical and indirect from lost labour) were for outpatient services. PM injury incidence rates were not statistically different from 2016 to 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The PM injury surveillance definition provides a consistent means to monitor trends over time and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention efforts. PM injuries have a larger military impact than previously recognised and prioritised prevention strategies are needed to reduce them. Future interventions could focus on the bench press given its observed association with PM injuries.

Pectoralis Major Ruptures: Tear Patterns and Patient Demographic Characteristics

Background

The pectoralis major (PM) is made up of multilaminar muscle segments that form a complex insertion on the proximal humerus; it is composed of an anterior and a posterior tendon layer. The tear patterns and patient characteristics of operatively treated PM ruptures in the general population remain poorly understood.

Purpose

To comprehensively report the demographic characteristics of patients who are clinically diagnosed with structurally significant PM ruptures and to describe PM tear patterns identified during surgery.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of surgically treated PM tears was performed for a single-surgeon case series between January 1, 2003, and November 1, 2017. Patient demographic characteristics, classification of tear pattern, and treatment (repair/reconstruction) were recorded.

Results

A total of 104 surgical cases of PM tendon rupture were identified; 100 patients underwent primary repair and 4 underwent dermal allograft reconstruction. All patients were male, with a mean age of 36.5 ± 9.2 years. Chronic tears (>6 weeks old) accounted for 63.6% of surgical cases, and 96% (n = 100) of tears occurred at or between the musculotendinous junction and tendinous insertion. A partial-thickness, complete-width tear of the posterior tendon layer at this same location was the most common tear pattern identified.

Conclusion

PM ruptures occurred almost exclusively at or between the musculotendinous junction and tendinous insertion, with predominant involvement of the posterior tendon layer. Chronic tears can be safely treated with primary repair in the vast majority of cases.

Treatment of Pectoralis Major Tendon Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Repair Timing and Fixation Methods

BACKGROUND

Repair of torn pectoralis major tendons is generally considered superior to nonoperative management, but there is a paucity of comparative data to demonstrate ideal repair timing and fixation methods.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to compare the outcomes between acute and chronic repair and among the various methods of fixation (transosseous tunnels, cortical buttons, suture anchors, screws with washers, and direct repair). It was hypothesized that acute repair would have superior outcomes and there would be similar outcomes among the various methods of fixation.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

In accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was completed through MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases. English-language studies were included with a minimum of 6 months' mean follow-up and 5 cases per study. MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) was utilized to assess the quality of the existing literature. Analysis of mechanisms of injury and meta-analysis of pooled outcomes were completed. Pooled effect sizes were calculated from random effects models. Continuous variables were assessed via mixed model analysis, with the individual study designated as a random effect and the desired treatment for comparison as a fixed effect. Bivariate frequency data were transformed through Freeman-Tukey log-linear transformation for variance stabilization and then assessed through a mixed model with a study-level random effect and subsequently back-transformed. Significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Twenty articles with 384 injuries met the inclusion criteria for comparison. All patients were male, with 61.9% of injuries occurring during weight training, at a mean age of 31.53 years, and with a mean follow-up of 30.12 months. Included studies scored a mean (SD) 15.53 ± 4.26 (range, 7.0-23.3) by MINORS criteria. Acute repair was significantly superior to chronic repair, with a relative improvement of functional outcome by 0.85 (P = .004) and satisfaction with cosmesis by 20.50% (P = .003). There was a trend toward acute repair having a higher proportion of patients who were pain-free (34.47%, P = .064). There were no significant differences among the methods of fixation for repair.

CONCLUSION

Acute repair of pectoralis major tendon tears resulted in significantly superior functional outcomes and cosmesis satisfaction with a trend toward a higher proportion of patients who were pain-free. There were no significant differences among the methods of fixation for repair.

Isolated tears of the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major muscle: surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and a modification of the Tietjen and Bak classification

HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to describe a modified surgical technique to treat isolated sternocostal head tears using cortical button fixation while preserving the intact clavicular head tendon, to outline a new classification of pectoralis major injuries, and to present the clinical outcomes and return-to-sport data of a cohort of 21 athletes who underwent surgical repair.

METHODS

We reviewed prospectively collected data of patients who underwent surgical repair with the described technique for isolated sternocostal head tears from 2008 to 2014. Two-year postoperative clinical outcomes including the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, isokinetic strength, patient satisfaction, and return to sport, as well as preinjury and postoperative bench-press weight, were collected, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients who underwent repair of isolated sternocostal head tears were included. The majority of the isolated tears of the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major (57%) occurred during the bench press. Of the ruptures, 81% were Tietjen type IIIC and 19% were type IIID. Postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores averaged 90.1 (standard deviation, 8.4), and patient satisfaction was 9.5 of 10 (standard deviation, 0.9). All athletes returned to sport approximately 5.5 months postoperatively. The isokinetic strength deficit averaged 8% compared with the contralateral arm, whereas the average preinjury bench-press weight of 134 kg (range 88-227 kg) was restored to 117 kg (range 61-250 kg) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

We propose a new classification of pectoralis major injury. In addition, we present a biomechanically sound repair technique for isolated tears of the sternocostal head of the pectoralis with favorable outcomes. The technique takes the specific anatomy of the sternocostal and clavicular heads into account for the approach.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pectoralis Major Injuries in an Active Duty Military Cohort: Mechanism Affects Tear Location

Background:

Pectoralis major (PM) tendon tears are common injuries in athletic patient populations, where operative repair is largely recommended for maximum functional recovery. The repair varies in difficulty and technique based on the location of the tear within the muscle-tendon unit. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) has been reported to be sensitive and specific for identifying the tear location, but the effect of injury mechanism on tear pattern has not been previously investigated.

Purpose:

To examine PM tears in a military patient population and assess the effect of injury mechanism (weightlifting vs high-energy trauma) on the tear pattern and accuracy of MRI interpretation.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Active duty military servicemembers undergoing operative repair of PM tendon tears with corresponding preoperative MRIs from 2 medical centers were identified. Two musculoskeletal fellowship–trained radiologists reviewed imaging studies, reporting the location of the tear within the muscle-tendon unit and the severity of the tear (sternal head vs clavicular head vs both). Radiographic findings were compared against intraoperative findings. Mechanism of injury and timing from injury to imaging and surgery were assessed to determine whether they affected the accuracy of MRI interpretations.

Results:

A total of 72 patients were included (mean ± SD age, 33.7 ± 7.0 years; 100% male). Mechanisms of injury consisted of 46 weightlifting injuries and 26 high-energy injuries. Interrater reliability was poor for tear location (kappa, 0.162; P = .003) but substantial for extent of tear (kappa, 0.637; P < .0001). MRI had a 51.3% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for identifying complete tears. MRI had a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 72.2% for avulsion injuries and sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 79.3% for musculotendinous injuries. Mechanism of injury had no effect on extent of the tear but did affect the location of the tear, with a higher rate of avulsion injuries in the high-energy mechanism cohort (81% vs 40%; P = .02).

Conclusion:

The mechanism of injury was found to significantly affect the location of tendon tears. A higher rate of avulsion injuries was found in high-energy injuries than weightlifting injuries. MRI appeared to be less sensitive and specific than previous reports for traumatic PM tendon injuries.

Anatomic Pectoralis Major Repair With Intramedullary Anchor Fixation

Although previously described as a rare injury, pectoralis major tendon rupture has shown increased reports in recent years. This injury can be managed conservatively; however, given the propensity for young, physically active male individuals, surgical repair is often preferred. Definitive surgical repair can be performed through various techniques such as bone trough, transosseous fixation, suture anchor, and cortical button techniques. This technique guide describes surgical repair through intramedullary anchor fixation with a unique pull-through method using taped suture to secure the tendon repair to its anatomic footprint. We believe this method is biomechanically advantageous, reduces bone loss that may lead to postoperative fractures, and re-creates the anatomic footprint of the torn tendon.

Acute pectoralis major tears in active duty US military personnel: Midterm outcomes of repairs performed in the forward-deployed setting

PURPOSE

To report midterm outcomes of a series of acute pectoralis major tears repaired surgically in the deployed setting in active duty military personnel.

METHODS

Analysis of acute pectoralis major tears treated at one expeditionary medical treatment facility during a 4-month time frame.

RESULTS

Nine male patients with a mean age of 32 years (23-52) were diagnosed with tears; seven underwent operative fixation in the forward deployed setting. All injuries occurred during bench press, with the dominant upper extremity involved 56% of the time. With an average final follow-up of 4.1 years, the mean disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand score was 35.71 (range 31-41) and the mean American shoulder and elbow surgeons score was 90.71 (range 87-95). All personnel returned to their preinjury jobs with an average return to full preinjury function occurring at 7 months (range 4.5-10.5 months) in the operative group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combat-deployed active duty US military personnel likely represent a high-risk population for this injury. Our study demonstrates that with at least 4 years of follow-up, surgical repair with a trough and trans-osseous repair technique was technically feasible and clinically successful in the deployed setting. Although this treatment may be considered in rare individual cases moving forward, due to the lengthy postoperative restrictions, inability to return back to duty in a timely manner, and lengthy rehabilitation, we no longer recommend this surgery be performed in theater.

Treatment of Pectoralis Major Tendon Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Operative and Nonoperative Treatment

Background:

The incidence of pectoralis major tendon tears is increasing, and repair is generally considered; however, a paucity of comparative data are available to demonstrate the superiority of operative treatment.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of pectoralis major tendon tears. We hypothesized that repair would result in superior outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment.

Methods:

In accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was completed by use of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. We included English-language studies that had a minimum of 6 months of average follow-up and 5 cases per study. The MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) was used to assess the quality of the existing literature. Meta-analysis of pooled mechanisms of injury and outcomes was completed. Pooled effect sizes were calculated from random-effects models. Continuous variables were assessed by use of mixed-model analysis, with the individual study designated as a random effect and the desired treatment for comparison as a fixed effect. Bivariate frequency data were transformed via the Freeman-Tukey log-linear transformation for variance stabilization and then assessed through use of a mixed model with a study level random effect and subsequently back-transformed. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

A total of 23 articles with 664 injuries met the inclusion criteria for comparison. All patients were male, with an average age of 31.48 years; 63.2% of injuries occurred during weight training, and the average follow-up was 37.02 months. Included studies had moderately high methodological quality. Operative treatment was significantly superior to nonoperative treatment, with relative improvements of functional outcome by 23.33% (0.70 improvement by Bak criteria which is scored 1-4; P = .027), full isometric strength 77.07% (P < .001), isokinetic strength 28.86% (P < .001) compared with the uninjured arm, cosmesis satisfaction 13.79% (P = .037), and resting deformity 98.85% (P < .001). The overall complication rate for operative treatment was 14.21%, including a 3.08% rate of rerupture.

Conclusion:

Pectoralis major tendon repair resulted in significantly superior outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment, with an associated 14.21% complication rate. Statistically significant improvements were noted in functional outcome, isokinetic strength, isometric strength, cosmesis, and resting deformity.

Everything pectoralis major: from repair to transfer

Background: Pectoralis major ruptures are increasing in incidence primarily due to an increase in awareness, activity level among young males between 20 and 40 years of age, and use of anabolic steroids. Although the majority of pectoralis major ruptures are acute injuries, many chronic ruptures are unrecognized and it is imperative to understand the proper evaluation of these injuries, as well as the appropriate treatment for acute and chronic ruptures.Purpose: Pectoralis major ruptures can lead to deformity and physical disability if left untreated. This review paper discusses both acute and chronic ruptures as well as indications for nonoperative treatment and operative treatment to give the reader the best understanding of this diagnosis and proper management.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using a search of electronic databases. Search terms such as pectoralis major rupture, pectoralis major repair, pectoralis major tendon transfer, and pectoralis major nonoperative treatment were used. Case reports, systematic reviews, prospective and retrospective studies were included to provide a comprehensive review. The only exclusion criteria consisted of studies not published in English. This review article includes the anatomy and biomechanics of the pectoralis major muscle, proper evaluation of the patient, operative and nonoperative treatment of acute and chronic pectoralis major ruptures, and outcomes of the recommended treatment.Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment is indicated for patients with medical comorbidities, older age, incomplete tears, or irreparable damage. Patients treated non-operatively have been shown to lose strength, but regain full range of motion. Patients with surgery before 6 weeks reported better outcomes than patients with surgery between 6 and 8 weeks. The chronicity of the rupture (>8 weeks) increases the likelihood of reconstruction, involving the use of autografts or allografts. Patients treated with delayed repair had significantly better strength, satisfaction, and outcomes than patients with nonoperative treatment. The pectoralis tendon can also be transferred in patients with rotators cuff tears, atrophy, or significant functional limitation. Tendon transfers have been shown to have unpredictable outcomes, but overall satisfactory results.

Pectoralis Major Injuries in the National Football League

BACKGROUND

Pectoralis major (PM) injuries are rare, primarily occurring in males during athletic activity. In the current literature, these injuries have not been well described in National Football League (NFL) athletes.

HYPOTHESIS

The incidence of PM injuries will be low in NFL athletes, with athletes missing significantly more time after injuries requiring operative management.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

All documented PM injuries were retrospectively analyzed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System over a 15-season period. The data were analyzed by season, session, position, activity, and contact type at the time of injury. Additionally, the incidence, treatment, and days missed as a result of injury were assessed.

RESULTS

Over 15 consecutive seasons, there were a total of 211 PM injuries. Of these injuries, 132 were classified as strains and 79 as ruptures. The incidence of strains was 0.41 per 10,000 athlete-exposures, compared with 0.25 per 10,0000 athlete-exposures for ruptures (P < 0.01). Players with PM ruptures treated operatively missed significantly more days than players treated nonoperatively (146.7 ± 55.0 vs 77.2 ± 72.9; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

NFL athletes miss significantly more time after operative compared with nonoperative management of PM ruptures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PM injuries are rare, with the current literature lacking description of these injuries in NFL athletes. The paucity of data limits physicians from providing adequate counseling and expectations for athletes with this injury. This research represents the largest study assessing PM injuries in NFL athletes.

Pectoralis Major Rupture in an Active Female

Pectoralis major rupture was historically a rare occurrence, but the incidence is increasing. Most cases occur from indirect trauma in active men aged 20 to 40 years, especially during bench press. Pectoralis major rupture has never been reported in the literature in a woman in this age group. We report the first case of pectoralis major rupture in a young, active woman who underwent successful surgical fixation.

Pectoralis major tendon reconstruction using semitendinosus allograft following rupture at the musculotendinous junction

Background

Pectoralis major (PM) rupture is an uncommon sports injury that has become more prevalent in the past 20 years as a result of an increase in recreational weight lifting and sports participation. Ruptures occur most commonly at the tendon insertion (65%) and musculotendinous junction (27%). This study describes an open technique and clinical outcomes after reconstruction of a PM rupture at the musculotendinous junction.

Methods

In this case series, 6 patients with PM ruptures at the musculotendinous junction were enrolled, with a 12-month follow-up period. The diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance imaging and correlated with clinical examination findings. All patients underwent PM reconstruction with a semitendinosus allograft, followed by a graduated rehabilitation protocol. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, visual analog scale score, cosmesis, return of strength, and overall satisfaction.

Results

The average age at the time of surgery was 39.5 years. At the 12-month follow-up visit, the average outcome scores were as follows: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 98.3; Constant score, 98; and visual analog scale score, 0.67. All patients were pleased with their cosmetic outcomes, as well as return of strength, and showed overall satisfaction with their postoperative results.

Conclusions

On review of the literature, this study is the first to describe the use of an isolated semitendinosus allograft to reconstruct a PM tendon following rupture at the musculotendinous junction. The excellent clinical outcomes suggest that the described technique can be a reliable tool in the orthopedic surgeon's armamentarium when approaching this uncommon PM tear.

Functional Outcomes After Isolated and Combined Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Military Population

Background:

The rates of return to full activity, persistent disability, complications, and surgical revisions after operative management of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears in a physically active population have not been reported.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of active military patients with symptomatic PCL tears who underwent surgical reconstruction and compare outcomes between isolated PCL and multiligament injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Individuals undergoing surgical reconstruction of the PCL (Current Procedural Terminology code 29889) were isolated from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool between fiscal years 2005 and 2010. Demographic variables and rates of postoperative complications, activity limitations, rates of revision surgery, physical disability ratings, and ultimate medical discharge were recorded from the electronic medical record and US Army Physical Disability Agency database.

Results:

A total of 182 patients underwent 193 surgeries, including 118 isolated PCL reconstructions and 75 multiligament knee reconstructions, with an average follow-up of 19.5 months. There were 174 primary procedures and 19 revision reconstructions. The mean ± SD patient age was 28.4 ± 7.2 years, with males comprising 96.2% of patients. The overall surgical complication rate was 12.4%, with a significantly higher rate in multiligament knee reconstructions compared with isolated PCL reconstructions (18.7% vs 8.5%; P = .045). Overall, 35.1% of patients were discharged from military service due to disability. Rates of discharge were significantly higher in those undergoing surgery at lower volume institutions (those that performed <2 PCL reconstructions per year during the study period) than those at higher volume institutions (41.1% vs 26%; P = .040). The overall revision rate was 10.9%, with no significant difference between the isolated PCL and multiligament knee reconstructions. Of the 103 patients with primary isolated PCL reconstructions, 35% underwent medical discharge for persistent knee complaints, and 12.6% required revision PCL reconstruction. The overall failure rate for primary isolated PCL reconstructions, which includes both revision surgery and knee-related medical discharge from military service, was 42.7%.

Conclusion:

In a physically active, military population, nearly one-third of patients were unable to return to previous level of military function, and 12.6% required revision at short-term follow-up due to persistent instability. Perioperative complication rates were significantly higher among patients with multiligament knee reconstructions.

Functional Outcomes and Complications Following Pectoralis Major Tendon Allograft Reconstruction in a Military Population

BACKGROUND

There are limited data available regarding outcomes following pectoralis major tendon (PMT) reconstruction with allograft.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional outcomes and complication profile following PMT reconstruction with allograft in a military population.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

All active duty military personnel who underwent PMT allograft reconstruction between 2008 and 2013 were identified. Demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical technique were recorded from the electronic medical record. Self-reported pain scores and manual strength were evaluated pre- and postoperatively, as recorded in physician electronic medical record notes, in addition to the ability and degree to which each patient was able to return to function. Standardized outcome measures included the Bak criteria; visual analog scale for pain; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Complications, including rerupture and reoperation, were additionally recorded.

RESULTS

Nine male patients (mean ± SD age, 35.7 ± 5.8 years) underwent allograft PMT reconstruction. Mean improvement in self-reported pain score at a mean 53.5 months (range, 31.1-110.9 months) was 2.1 ± 1.3 points (P = .08). Improvements in manual strength during forward flexion (0.5 ± 0.7; P = .03), adduction (0.6 ± 0.6; P = .01), and internal rotation (0.5 ± 0.7; P = .03) were significant. Seven patients (78%) returned to full preinjury level of occupational function, and 88% returned to performing the bench press, although maximum weight decreased by a self-reported mean of 141.3 lb. According to the Bak criteria, 5 (56%) patients had excellent outcomes, 2 (22%) had fair outcomes, and 2 (22%) had poor outcomes. Mean visual analog scale for pain (1.9 ± 2.8), DASH (10.8 ± 17.4), ASES (88.1 ± 20.3), and SF-36 scores (96.3% ± 6.9%) were obtained for the 8 patients available at final follow-up. Complications included 2 cases (22%) of persistent shoulder pain leading to military separation, 1 rerupture (11%), and 1 (11%) surgical scar revision.

CONCLUSION

While allograft reconstruction is a reliable option to decrease pain and improve function in patients with tears not amenable to primary repair, patients should be educated about the risk profile and fitness limitations after surgery.

Analysis of Return to Sport and Weight Training After Repair of the Pectoralis Major Tendon

BACKGROUND

The use of routine patient-reported outcomes after repair of the pectoralis major tendon (PMT) is often prone to the ceiling effect owing to the high functional demand of those who sustain this injury.

HYPOTHESIS

A significant number of patients are expected to fail to achieve return to preoperative activity after PMT repair despite achieving significant improvements in functional score.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained institutional database was reviewed for all patients undergoing PMT repair from 2010 to 2016. Patients were surveyed with regard to pre- and postoperative participation in sports, level of intensity, maximum weight repetitions in exercises utilizing the PMT, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (73.3%) were available for final follow-up. All patients were male. Mean ± SD follow-up was 51.1 ± 24.1 months. Mean age was 39.6 ± 8.8 years (range, 24-61 years), and mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 3.5 kg/m². The dominant side was affected in 20 of 44 cases. Acute repairs were performed in 30 cases and chronic in 14. There were statistically significant improvements in both ASES and SANE scores (P < .001). Return to sport at any level was achieved by 43 of 44 (97.7%) patients, while 22 of 44 patients (50.0%) reported returning to sport at the same or better intensity as preinjury status. On average, there was a 23.3% ± 45.6% decrease in 1-repetition maximum (1RM) barbell bench press, 14.7% ± 62.3% decrease in 5-repetition maximum barbell bench press, 24.3% ± 21.8% decrease in 1RM dumbbell bench press, 35.7% ± 32.1% decrease in 1RM dumbbell fly, and 15.6% ± 39.8% decrease in consecutive push-ups able to be performed. Seventeen patients (38.6%) reported a degree of apprehension that affected their ability to lift weights. When all preoperative variables were accounted for, history of surgery to the contralateral shoulder (odds ratio, 0.600; 95% CI, 0.389-0.925) was associated with a decreased likelihood of returning to sport at the same or better level of intensity, while injury sustained during sport had a greater likelihood (odds ratio, 2.231; 95% CI, 1.234-4.031).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing PMT repair should expect significant functional improvements and a low complication rate. Yet, only 50% are able to return to preoperative intensity of sport, and they will also have significant reductions in their ability to weight lift.

Outcomes of Pectoralis Major Tears in Active Duty US Military Personnel: A Comparison of Surgical Repairs Performed in the Forward Deployed Setting to Those Performed in the Continental United States

Introduction

The purpose of our study is to compare pectoralis major tears in active duty military personal repaired surgically in the forward deployed setting to those performed in the Continental United States.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective comparison of all pectoralis major tendon repairs performed at Madigan Army Medical Center from 2000 to 2007 to a forward deployed series treated by two deployed United States Air Force orthopedic surgeons at one expeditionary medical treatment facility over a 4-month deployment cycle from December 2013 through March 2014.

Results

Fourteen patients from the CONUS group and eight patients from deployed group were compared; they had a mean age of 32 years (21–52) all with pectoralis major ruptures that underwent operative fixation. Nineteen of the 22 patients (86%) sustained their injuries during bench press. The average bench press weight was similar with 271.8 lbs in the CONUS group and 273.1 lbs in the deployed group. There were 9 complete tears and 5 partial tears in the CONUS cohort whereas 7 complete tears and 1 partial tear in the deployed cohort, with all tears in both groups occurring at the insertion of the humerus. All 22 patients in both cohorts denied the use of anabolic steroids. The average DASH score at final follow-up was 12.74 in the CONUS group and 36.44 in the deployed group. The CONUS group reported that 7 out of 8 immediate repair patients and 4 out of 6 delayed repair patients returned to functional work level within 6 months with the 2 patients in the delayed repair group taking longer than 9 months to return to work. The deployed members reported return to functional work level at an average of 6.5 months. Both cohorts had early return to weight lifting at 6 and 7 months, respectively. The CONUS group reported a 39% bench press weight reduction and 34% pushup maximum reduction whereas the deployed cohort reported a 20% and 8% reduction respectively.

Conclusions

When comparing deployed to CONUS results, we demonstrated that surgical repairs at one permanent US military in-theater tertiary referral medical center were as successful as repairs performed at one CONUS US Army academic tertiary referral medical center. Although in-theater surgical repair was technically feasible and clinically successful, we believe the lengthy convalescence, stringent post-operative restrictions, demanding environment and impact on operational readiness should preclude deployed surgical repairs from becoming standard practice.

Isolated Tear of the Pectoralis Minor Tendon in a Professional American Football Quarterback: A Case Report

CASE

A 27-year-old right-hand-dominant National Football League (NFL) quarterback injured his right shoulder after falling with the elbow flexed and the shoulder flexed and slightly abducted. He noted an immediate onset of right anterior shoulder pain, but was able to continue playing and throwing without notable deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest revealed an isolated tear of the pectoralis minor tendon. The patient received nonoperative local treatment and was able to start as quarterback at the next game.

CONCLUSION

An isolated pectoralis minor tear in the dominant arm of a professional throwing athlete may be successfully treated with nonoperative local treatment and shoulder strengthening and stabilization exercises, allowing an early return to competition.

[Surgical treatment of chronic pectoralis major rupture]

OBJECTIVE

Reconstruction of the chronic pectoralis major rupture with reconstruction of the anatomy and the original initial length of the muscle-tendon unit as well as the full strength.

INDICATIONS

Basically all chronic tears of the pectoralis major, causing discomfort.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Infections and tumors in the operation area.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Skin incision medial to the anterior axillary line about 6 cm long in the split lines of the skin. Locate and sharply mobilize the muscle stump. Preparation of the crest of the greater tubercle and positioning 2-4 JuggerKnots® (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). In adduction and internal rotation, reinsert the muscle. In case of chronic tears possibly interposition or augmentation of a tendon auto- or allograft.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immobilization in a sling for 6 weeks without mobilization. From week 7, no-load mobilization. Weight load building from week 13.

RESULTS

In a prospective study, 25 patients with chronic pectoralis major tears were reconstructed with 18 allografts and 7 autografts. According to Bak et al. the clinical outcome was good and very good in 92% of cases, but the complication rate was high at 24%. The secondary reconstruction of the chronic tear shows good and very good results even after years.

Surgical repair of acute pectoralis major muscle ruptures

OBJECTIVE

Surgical repair of a partial or complete tear of the pectoralis major muscle to restore internal rotation, adduction, and anteversion.

INDICATIONS

Acute avulsion, acute tear of the tendinous insertion, acute tear of the musculotendinous region (<6 weeks after trauma). Relative indication: chronic retracted tear (>6 weeks).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Muscular tears, local infection, other general contraindications.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Open repair using suture anchors or flip buttons.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Week 1-3: early passive-assisted functional physical therapy. Week 3-6: early active-assisted functional physical therapy. Week 7-9: active assisted free range of motion (ROM). From week 9: free ROM. From week 12: exercise with resistance, careful strengthening.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2017, 20 men with an acute or subacute tear of the pectoralis major muscle underwent surgery. Mean age 36 years (range 28-55 years). No previous antibiotic treatment or steroid abuse/treatment reported. Reasons for rupture were weight lifting (bench-press, n = 10), skiing and snowboard accidents (n = 3), fitness training (n = 3), soccer (n = 1), martial arts (n = 1), a canyoning accident (n = 1), and a simple fall (n = 1). Follow-up examinations were performed 6 weeks and 3 months postoperative. No infections or wound healing disorders; no revisions necessary. Normal muscle function via open refixation of the tendon stump. No re-rupture observed. Free ROM observed 3 months after surgery.

Outcomes After Dermal Allograft Reconstruction of Chronic or Subacute Pectoralis Major Tendon Ruptures

Background:

Avoiding delay in the surgical management of pectoralis major (PM) ruptures optimizes outcomes. However, this is not always possible, and when a tear becomes chronic or when a subacute tear has poor tissue quality, a graft can facilitate reconstruction.

Purpose:

The primary aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PM reconstruction with dermal allograft augmentation for chronic tears or for subacute tears with poor tissue quality. A second aim was to determine patient and surgical factors affecting outcome.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Nineteen consecutive patients (19 PM ruptures) with a mean ± SD age of 39.1 ± 8.4 years were retrospectively reviewed at 26.4 ± 16.0 months following PM tendon reconstruction with dermal allograft. Surgery was performed at 19.2 ± 41.2 months after injury (median, 7.6 months; range, 1.1-185.4 months). Several outcome scores were recorded pre- and postoperatively, including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), as well as visual analog scale (VAS) (range, 0-10; 0 = no pain) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Range of motion, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and complications/reoperations were recorded postoperatively.

Results:

Scores improved significantly for the DASH (preoperative, 34.9; postoperative, 8.0; P < .001) and VAS (preoperative, 5.0; postoperative, 1.5; P = .011). There was a trend toward improved SANE scores (preoperative, 15.0; postoperative, 80.0; P = .097), but the difference was not statistically significant, likely because of the small number of patients having preoperative SANE scores for review. Increased age was associated with higher VAS scores (r = 0.628, P = .016) and less forward flexion (r = –0.502, P = .048) and external rotation (r = –0.654, P = .006). Patients with workers’ compensation had lower scores for 3 measures: SANE (75.8 vs 88.4, P = .040), Constant (86.7 vs 93.4, P = .019), and ASES (81.9 vs 97.4, P = .016). Operating on the dominant extremity resulted in lower Constant scores (87.8 vs 95.4, P = .012). A 2-head tendon tear (107.5° vs 123.3°, P = .033) and the use of >1 graft (105.0° vs 121.3°, P = .040) resulted in decreased abduction.

Conclusion:

This was the first large series to observe patients with chronic or subacute PM tendon tears treated with dermal allograft reconstruction. PM tendon reconstruction with dermal allografts resulted in good objective and subjective patient-reported outcomes.

Pectoralis Major Tear with Retracted Tendon: How to Fill the Gap? Reconstruction with Hamstring Autograft and Fixation with an Interference Screw

Rupture of the pectoralis major tendon is considered an uncommon injury and a significant number of ruptures are missed or diagnosed late, leading to a chronic tear. We report an open reconstruction technique and its outcomes in a case of chronic and retracted PM tear. At the last follow-up (12 months), the patient was pain-free, with a visual analogic scale at 0 all the time. He was very satisfied concerning the cosmetic and clinical results. The constant score was 93%, the SST value 95%, and the Quick DASH score 4.5. MRI performed one year postoperatively confirmed the continuity between PM tendon and graft, even if the aspect of the distal tendon seemed to be thinner than normal PM tendon. The excellent clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up suggest that PM tear with major tendon retraction can be reliably reconstructed with hamstring autograft, using a bioabsorbable screw to optimize the fixation device. This technique has proven its simplicity and efficiency to fill the gap.

Outcomes and complications of triceps tendon repair following acute rupture in American military personnel

INTRODUCTION

Triceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries primarily occurring in young, active males or elderly individuals with various systemic diseases. Relatively little is known about the epidemiology of this injury, or the results of surgical management in high-demand populations. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence and outcomes of surgical treatment in active duty American military personnel.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Military Data Repository (MDR) was queried for all active duty military personnel undergoing surgical repair or reconstruction of a triceps tendon rupture between January 2012 and December 2014. The electronic health records of all patients with at least 12 months clinical follow-up were searched for demographic information, injury details, preoperative imaging findings, post-operative complications, and ability to return to duty following surgical repair. Incidence was calculated based on total active duty population in the MDR over the study period. Risk factors for postoperative complication and inability to return to duty following surgical repair were assessed using univariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 54 acute triceps tendon ruptures were identified in the search, of which 48 had at least 12 months follow-up and complete post-operative records. The incidence of acute triceps tendon rupture was 1.1 per 100,000 person-years. Twelve patients experienced post-operative complications, six of which were traumatic re-ruptures within four months of the index surgery. No patient had a post-operative infection or atraumatic repair failure. 94% of patients were able to return to active military service following surgical repair. Enlisted rank was a significant risk factor for a post-operative complication, but no factor predicted inability to return to active duty service.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical repair of acute triceps tendon ruptures reliably restores strength and function even in high-demand individuals. In our population, traumatic rerupture was the most common complication.