Congenital absence of the pectoralis muscles in two collegiate wrestling champions

Abstract

Deficiency of the pectoralis major is a relatively common muscle anomaly. There is little documentation, however, of what, if any, functional deficit the anomaly imparts. Therefore, two highly successful amateur wrestlers with unilateral congenital absence of the pectoralis minor and sternocostal head of the pectoralis major are reported. Cybex testing revealed no appreciable decrease in shoulder internal rotation strength but did show a 20%-30% decrease in shoulder horizontal adduction strength. Other patients similarly affected can be advised that their shoulder strength will be slightly decreased, but significant functional limitations are unlikely.