Rehabilitation After Surgical Treatment of Pectoralis Major Rupture in a CrossFit® Practitioner: A Case Report

Abstract

Background and purpose: The upper limbs are frequently injured during CrossFit® practice, and in some cases, surgical repair is recommended. The purpose of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation process performed after the surgical repair of a pectoralis major rupture in a CrossFit® practitioner.

Design: Case report.

Case description: The subject was a 26-year-old man, with 1.75m and 69kg, who practiced CrossFit® for five years and sustained the injury during the execution of the ring dip. The rehabilitation protocol was of 16 weeks duration. Passive modalities and exercises focusing on range of motion, muscle strength, and CrossFit®-specific movements were performed. Shoulder range of motion was assessed through goniometry, and muscle strength was assessed through isometric dynamometry.

Outcomes: At week seven the subject had full range of motion, and at week fourteen achieved limb symmetry (Limb Symmetry Index - 84.78 - Abduction; 97.58 - Adduction; 86.15 - Internal Rotation; 85.06 - External Rotation) in muscle strength. The subject returned to his previous level of athletic activities. Conclusions: A 16-week protocol performed with exercises focusing on range of motion, muscle strength, and CrossFit®-specific movements was abe to promote the return to sport at the pre-injury level in a CrossFit® practitioner.

Keywords: Crossfit®; Pectoralis major rupture; Physical Therapy.

Figure 1.. Ring Dip movement – Sagital plane (A and B) Frontal Plane (C and D)

Figure 2.. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (T2 frontal plane) showing the rupture (blue arrows) of the left pectoralis major tendon with substantial tendon retraction and an associated hematoma.