Thread: Pectoral Injury: Feedback Needed

Recently, I was bench pressing and mid-rep I injured myself that resulted in the following MRI results. I am contemplating surgery, and am just looking for more info and feedback as to what limitations should I expect from NOT having surgery.

Results:

There is a high-grade partial tear versus complete tear of the myotendinous junction of the right pectoralis major. There do appear to be some fibers remaining attached to the proximal humerus, though these appear thinned and possibly partially torn.
There is mild suspected strain injury of the pectoralis muscle. In the region of the myotendinous junction injury, there is moderate surrounding soft tissue T2 hyperintense signal, likely representing edema and possibly blood products. There is no
evidence of acute fracture or dislocation.
 
IMPRESSION:
1. High-grade partial tear versus complete tear of the myotendinous junction of the right pectoralis major, as described, with moderate associated edema and possibly blood products.

Ask an ortho known for working with athletes & ask the likely scenarios for both surgery and no surgery - in terms of recovery time, healing, % of where you were before, physical therapy, etc.

If you're comfortable with the non-surgical likely scenario (& any worst case scenario is acceptable or unlikely), then it's your call. Strictly follow any recovery/therapy guidelines.

A good test for a surgeon you trust, is to watch their face & listen to carefully to their answer when you ask "in your opinion, am I a total f***in moron if I choose not to have surgery?"

Originally Posted by coachcalande

Definitely get three medical opinions based on your return to lifting goals.

True story:

Mild chest injury back in 2015. Gave it two weeks rest, started back on seated machine press (can’t risk getting crushed under barbell) and within 6 weeks was back to barbell training.

Another pec injury this summer. Trained very light and high reps gradually adding weight as the weeks went by. Have hit 350x1, 225x18 since. This one was much worse than the last. You can read about my training around and thru that injury in my training log.

I am 55 so it does seem easier to hurt myself these days. Currently dealing with front delt strain or possibly a rotator cuff boo boo. But I train around things and gradually retrain range of motion first, then gradually return to adding resistance. Read and study YouTube and follow the medical advice that fits your goals.

In any case, you’ll someday be back, maybe not quite as strong on bench but who knows?

Thank you! What was the degree/type of tear that you had?