Pectoralis Major Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle that covers the front of the chest. It originates from the sternum and the medial portion of the clavicle and inserts onto the humerus. The pectoralis major is responsible for several movements of the shoulder joint, including flexion, adduction, and internal rotation.

Damage to the pectoralis major can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, overuse, or surgery. Symptoms of pectoralis major damage can include pain, swelling, and bruising over the front of the chest. The affected individual may also have difficulty moving their shoulder joint.

Damage to the pectoralis major can interfere with a person's ability to perform tasks that require shoulder flexion, adduction, or internal rotation. This can include activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, and pushing objects away. In severe cases, pectoralis major damage can lead to the development of a fixed deformity, in which the shoulder joint is permanently held in a flexed and adducted position.