Pectoralis major muscle rupture in windsurfing

• Published in: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Vol. 75; no. 7; pp. 819 - 821
• Main Authors: DUNKELMAN, N. R, COLLIER, F, ROOK, J. L, NAGLER, W, BRENNAN, M. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier 01.07.1994
• Subjects: Adult; Athletic Injuries - classification; Athletic Injuries - diagnosis; Athletic Injuries - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnostic Errors; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Pectoralis Muscles - injuries; Rupture; Sport (general aspects); Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Case study; Human; Striated muscle disease; Sport; Treatment; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Tissue rupture; Diagnosis; Pectoralis major muscle; Trauma; Windsurf; Sports medicine
• ISSN: 0003-9993; 1532-821X
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-9993(94)90144-9

Board sailing (windsurfing) has become a popular water recreational activity. However, there is little in the medical literature concerning musculoskeletal complications resulting from participation in this sport. We present the first reported case of pectoralis major rupture sustained during board sailing. The patient was initially misdiagnosed, which happens commonly when this muscle ruptures. Only after conservative management failed was the correct diagnosis made and appropriate surgical intervention provided. Proper technique in board sailing requires sustained isometric contraction of the pectoralis major, deltoid and scapular stabilizers to maintain appropriate pull of the sail against wind resistance. Sharp increases in wind speed underly the mechanism of injury. Ruptures of the pectoralis major are usually complete, occur at or near the humeral insertion, and can be associated with misleading physical signs. Therefore, anatomy, clinical findings, surgical technique, and the postoperative rehabilitation program are stressed as to expedite diagnosis and maximize functional outcome.