Shoulder · Rotator cuff & tendons
Pectoralis major repair
Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear
The condition
The pectoralis major is the large chest muscle that pulls the arm across and in toward the body. Its tendon attaches to the upper arm bone. A tendon tear usually happens during heavy lifting—most often the bench press—with a sudden pop, bruising, weakness, and a change in the shape of the chest.
The surgery
Pectoralis major repair is a typically outpatient surgery done through an incision at the front of the shoulder near the armpit. The torn tendon is found, freed up, and reattached to the arm bone with strong sutures and small implants. Older tears may need a tendon graft; if so, this will be discussed with you. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Worn for 4–6 weeks with the arm held against the body. The shoulder is not moved for the first 4 weeks; gentle guided motion then begins.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No lifting, pushing, or pulling with the surgical arm for 6 weeks; full motion returns between 8 and 12 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting
- Light band exercises from ~8 weeks. No push-ups, pressing, or weights before 12 weeks; light weights at 3–4 months and bench press from 16 weeks.
- Sports
- Contact sports and unrestricted activity at 5–6 months. Older tears or graft repairs take ~6 weeks longer.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients regain strength and the normal shape of the chest and return to lifting and sports. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, re-tear of the tendon, lasting weakness with heavy pressing, a change in the shape of the chest, wound or skin problems in the armpit, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery