Tears of the pectoralis major muscle.
Nine athletes (men, 22 to 40 years old) who sustained tears of the pectoralis major muscle are described. Four were treated by the authors and five patients' cases were reviewed from records of orthopaedic surgeons for the National Football League. Eight of the nine patients sustained tears from excessive tension; one was involved in an automobile accident and sustained a direct blow. Five patients were treated conservatively and obtained good results (normal range of motion, mild pain, and weakness). They agreed that they could not return to their previous athletic functional ability. The other four were treated surgically and obtained excellent results (normal range of motion, excellent strength). They were able to return to vigorous athletic performance.