Torn Left Pectoral Surgery

Hello,

I suffered a pec rupture appx 11 days ago while wrestling in a tournament.  Went to my ortho and got an MRI  just 5 days after the injury.  Results showed a complete tear and my doctor recommended surgery.  Had surgery earlier today and afterwards the doctor notified my mother that the actual injury was a muscle-muscle tear and he sewed it back together "as best as he could".  I'm concerned because i have read this type of tear should not be operated on and would only cause more atrophy to my shoulder and triceps while my arm is not being used for so long.  I am also concerned about a high risk of re-tearing it because of how unstable sewing muscle to muscle is.  I am very active and coach high school wrestling (im 23).  Obviously i have to let my body heal since the surgery is done, but i'm just thinking if i never had the surgery i could be able to exercise a lot sooner than with the surgery.  I don't care about the strength of my chest, although i do lift 5x a week, however wrestling and staying fit is my main concern in life, not chest strength.  I will contact my doctor asap to ask these questions and have a follow up friday.  Any input would be greatly appreciated as i'm pretty bummed about this.  Thanks.

Brandon

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Brandon!

If it was a complete tear it would have definitely required a surgical repair. Also in the case of a partial tear, surgical repair would have been a considered in view of your physical activity level. Atrophy may result from disuse during the time that is given for healing; however this can largely be prevented with regular physiotherapy. Post mobilization, physiotherapy is again helpful in regaining muscle strength. There should be no issue as far as fitness is concerned, though the improvement in strength may be variable depending on the type of rupture and repair. It is bests suggested to discuss this in detail with your doctor.
Hope this helps.

Take care!