Achilles Allograft Reconstruction for Chronic Pectoralis Major Rupture: A Case Report

Managing a chronic rupture of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) presents notable challenges. Delayed presentation following the initial injury often necessitates surgical intervention to restore both functional capacity and aesthetic appearance. In chronic cases, where tendon retraction and compromised tissue quality are common, surgical repair with graft augmentation is typically required. We report the case of a 41-year-old male who presented four months after sustaining a left pectoralis major rupture while lifting at work. Due to the chronic nature of the injury and retraction of the tendon, primary repair was not feasible. Surgical reconstruction was performed using an Achilles tendon allograft. At eight months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated satisfactory progress, with only mild deficits in range of motion, strength, and cosmetic appearance. He continued to engage in a structured rehabilitation program, beginning with immobilization and passive range-of-motion exercises, followed by progressive strengthening over several months. This case highlights the successful use of Achilles tendon allograft in the surgical reconstruction of a chronic pectoralis major rupture and contributes to the current body of literature supporting this approach.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.91253
Primary Topic
Pectus Deformity Diagnosis and Treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Achilles Allograft Reconstruction for Chronic Pectoralis Major Rupture: A Case Report

Cathal O’Leary, Pasquale Gencarelli, Rahul Mittal, James M. Lee et al.
Cureus
Pectus Deformity Diagnosis and Treatment
article

Achilles Allograft Reconstruction for Chronic Pectoralis Major Rupture: A Case Report

Cathal O’Leary, Pasquale Gencarelli, Rahul Mittal, James M. Lee, Benjamin Blitz
article en

Abstract

Managing a chronic rupture of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) presents notable challenges. Delayed presentation following the initial injury often necessitates surgical intervention to restore both functional capacity and aesthetic appearance. In chronic cases, where tendon retraction and compromised tissue quality are common, surgical repair with graft augmentation is typically required. We report the case of a 41-year-old male who presented four months after sustaining a left pectoralis major rupture while lifting at work. Due to the chronic nature of the injury and retraction of the tendon, primary repair was not feasible. Surgical reconstruction was performed using an Achilles tendon allograft. At eight months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated satisfactory progress, with only mild deficits in range of motion, strength, and cosmetic appearance. He continued to engage in a structured rehabilitation program, beginning with immobilization and passive range-of-motion exercises, followed by progressive strengthening over several months. This case highlights the successful use of Achilles tendon allograft in the surgical reconstruction of a chronic pectoralis major rupture and contributes to the current body of literature supporting this approach.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Johnson University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Pectus Deformity Diagnosis and Treatment
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