Frequently asked questions

I injured my pectoralis major. I’m 49 and not very active — is surgery essential?

No, the operation is not vital, nor essential for basic shoulder function. However, there will be a loss of performance in upper-body sporting activities, which can be an issue for physically demanding jobs or certain sports. In addition, an unsightly deformity of the muscle may persist.

I’ve just injured my pectoralis major — is surgery urgent?

It is not an emergency in terms of days or weeks, but surgery is more effective and simpler the earlier it is done — ideally within a month or up to 6 weeks. However, it can even be done much later, since the pectoralis major muscle does not waste away after the injury.

I injured my pectoralis major a year ago — is it too late to operate?

It all depends on the type and location of the injury. It is sometimes possible to operate successfully several years later, but success can never be guaranteed.

I injured myself weight training — I have a large gap in the muscle and significant discomfort, but I was told it was only a minor muscle injury. Should I get a second opinion?

As explained on this site, pectoralis major injuries are poorly understood and often poorly assessed. If you do a lot of sport and the injury seems significant to you, we can see you for an assessment.

If I have surgery, how long is the sick leave, and when can I return to sport?

After surgery, the elbow must be kept against the body with an immobilising vest for 6 weeks, before starting rehabilitation. For sedentary occupations, depending on pain levels, one to two weeks of sick leave may be enough, whereas for jobs involving a lot of upper-body physical work, the repair will not be solid until 3 months, so sick leave will be longer. Return to sports involving the upper limbs also begins at 3 months after surgery, but progressively.

Is there a risk of failure or re-rupture?

There are many different situations depending on the location and shape of the rupture. The quality of the healed tendon can vary, and it is sometimes impossible to repair the injury. Unfortunately, the reinsertion can therefore sometimes fail in the immediate aftermath of surgery. The period from 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery must be approached very progressively, as patients regain shoulder mobility and may feel very well while the tendon is still fragile. As for the risk of re-rupture further down the line, we have not observed any cases once the first 3–4 months have passed. This remains possible in principle, but is probably relatively rare.

I’ve already had surgery but I’m not satisfied with the result. Can I be operated on again?

Yes, that is possible, but it depends on the type and location of the injury. We will clarify this during the consultation. In any case, the result can never be guaranteed.

Is the operation complicated and difficult?

It is a surgical procedure, and no surgery is entirely without risk. However, the pectoralis major muscle is superficial and far from any vital structures. The procedure is short and the risks are very limited. Technically, the operation has some difficulties, but what makes it particular is the anatomical understanding of these injuries and their relative rarity. The experience of the medical team therefore plays a fundamental role in the success of the surgery.

Is rehabilitation complicated and difficult?

No, it is fairly easy and straightforward. This is superficial muscle surgery, and therefore extra-articular. The first 6 weeks of immobilisation aim to protect the reinsertion; the following 6 weeks aim to regain range of motion after the immobilisation period. The operation does not involve the joint itself, and is therefore much less traumatic or stiffness-inducing than an arthroscopic Bankart repair or a shoulder bone-block procedure.

If I have surgery, will I be able to resume all sports pain-free and fully recover my strength?

We cannot guarantee perfect results 100% of the time, but the goal of this surgery is to allow you to resume your activities as they were before the injury.

If I have surgery, will the appearance of my pectoralis major be perfect?

There will inevitably be a 6–10 cm scar at the front of the shoulder, since the operation is not performed arthroscopically. As for the appearance of the axillary wall, it is often clearly improved, without necessarily being completely identical to how it looked before the injury. The main difficulty lies particularly in managing associated muscle damage, where defects in the muscle can persist even after a successful repair.

I have scheduling or distance constraints. Is it possible to have surgery very quickly after the initial consultation?

We do our best to adapt to each patient’s individual situation. Please let us know about this in the contact form.