Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin und Dopingstudien

Large Tear of the Pectoralis Major Muscle in an Athlete. Results after Treatment with Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®)

Abstract

Abat F, Gelber PE, Monllau JC and Sánchez-Ibáñez JM

Background: Injuries to the pectoralis major muscle can result in functional limitation. Previous reports on conservative treatment on large tears of the pectoralis major muscle showed inconsistent results with several treatment modalities. The best option to treat this pathology is still under discussion.

Methods: A 30 year-old male patient with a large pectoral is major muscle tear was treated with ultrasoundguided EPI® technique once a week and eccentric exercise. Echography study was performed during the follow-up. Functional evaluation was assessed with Tegner scale, the criteria described by Bak et al. and the subjective outcomes described by Anthony et al.

Results: Ultrasound scan showed a correct arrangement of muscle fibers. Functional evaluation showed excellent results and at four weeks of treatment, the patient had returned to their level of activity prior to the injury.

Conclusion: Treatment with the US-guided EPI® technique on pectoralis major muscle tear resulted in a high improvement in function and a rapid return to the previous level of activity after few sessions. The procedure has proven to be safe with no recurrences at one-year follow-up.