Abstract des Autors

The complete rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is scarce. Patissier described it first in 1822 and during the following 170 years about 100 cases could be found in the international literature only. Between 1981 and 1996 seven top athletes were operated with the rupture of the pectoralis major muscle in our department. The aim of the study is to summarize the literary data on the topic and to report on the experiences of the 7 operated patients. The mechanism, symptoms, diagnostical possibilities of the injury as well as the applied operative technique are discussed. The case of an olympic champion wrestler is also detailed. In young elite athletes, using particularly the muscles of the shoulder girdle during sports activity, operative reconstruction of the rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is suggested in order to regain muscular strength completely. Verf.-Referat