Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair With Acellular Dermal Matrix Augmentation

Abstract

Pectoralis major tendon tears were historically an uncommon injury, but prevalence has increased with increased awareness and increase in high contact and heavy lifting sports. Operative management of pectoralis tendon tears is complicated by a short tendon stump, frequently requiring sutures to be placed well into the muscle belly, leaving them susceptible to pull-out and failure of the repair. We present a technique of pectoralis major tendon repair augmented by the use of an acellular dermal matrix. Acellular dermal matrices or allografts are used elsewhere in orthopedics and have been proven both clinically and biomechanically to lead to increased suture pull-out strength. This repair technique increases the “effective” length and increases the suture pull-out strength. As a result, patients are allowed to rehabilitate rapidly in the postoperative period and the surgeon can have more confidence in the strength of the repair.