Isokinetic Study of Pectoralis Major Muscle Rupture after Surgical Repair

The aim of this study was to assess the isokinetic measures of surgically repaired ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle in contrast to non-injured side of the patients and specify the most affected movement of the injured side. Nine pectoralis major muscle tears in nine patients were studied. They were all operated by the same surgeon and after 2. 4 years (1-4 years) of follow up they were clinically examined. They completed a standard questionair and isokinetic dynamometry were carried out bilaterally. There was also a group of six non-injured bodybuilders who were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry to give us normal differences in the values of both limbs. In the patient group، the mean torque of flexion was not different between the injured and uninjured sides (p≥. 05). For the extension movements، the difference was significant (p<. 034) but for the other movements was not. None of the results fell into the excellent or poor categories according to Kakwani classification. Six patients were categorized as good and three patients as fair. The main reason for the three ''fair'' patients was cosmetic complaints in the cases who were operated on three months post injury. The surgical repair of ruptured pectoralis major is beneficial and focusing on strengthening exercises for flexion and extension is essential to achieve the best results.