Why Most Should Be Repaired and How to Find the Best Pec Tear Surgeon in the United States
A pectoralis major tendon tear, commonly referred to as a pec tear, is a significant injury that affects far more than just strength. These injuries can permanently impact function, chest appearance, athletic performance, and emotional well-being if not treated appropriately.
While some patients are told they can “live with it,” the truth is this: There are very few legitimate reasons not to repair a pectoralis major tendon tear.
This article explains the basics of pec tears, the most common (and incorrect) reasons patients are told not to have surgery, why problems often worsen over time, and how expert surgical repair even in chronic or complex cases can restore function, anatomy, and aesthetics.
What Is a Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear?
he pectoralis major is a large, powerful chest muscle that plays a critical role in:
- Pushing strength (bench press, push-ups)
- Shoulder adduction and internal rotation
- Chest wall contour and symmetry
- Athletic performance and upper-body power
A pec tear most commonly occurs during high-force eccentric loading such as heavy bench pressing, football, wrestling, MMA, or strongman training. When the tendon tears, the muscle retracts, resulting in:
- Sudden weakness
- Bruising and swelling
- Visible chest asymmetry
- Loss of the anterior axillary fold
Should a Pec Tear Be Repaired?
In most cases, yes.
For active individuals, athletes, laborers, and patients who care about strength or appearance, surgical repair is usually the best option. Non-operative treatment often leads to:
- Permanent strength loss
- Reduced endurance
- Chest wall deformity
- Cramping and fatigue
- Long-term dissatisfaction
Many patients initially compensate but compensation is not recovery.
Common (But Incorrect) Reasons Patients Are Told Not to Have Surgery
Unfortunately, many pec tears go unrepaired due to misinformation or lack of surgeon experience.
“You’ll be fine without surgery”
This is often said by surgeons who do not specialize in pectoralis major tendon tears. While some daily activities may return, most patients experience lasting deficits. Especially with lifting, sports, or aesthetics.
“If it’s older than six weeks, it’s too late”
This is false.
While early repair is ideal, chronic pec tears months or even years old. Can still be repaired or reconstructed by surgeons experienced in complex and delayed cases.
“Muscular or myotendinous tears can’t be fixed”
Also false.
Myotendinous and intramuscular pec tears are more challenging, but they are treatable with advanced surgical techniques, sometimes requiring graft augmentation.
“Partial tears don’t need surgery”
Some partial tears behave like complete ruptures. Over time, they can progress, retract, and lead to deformity and weakness. Especially in strong or athletic patients.
The Long-Term Consequences of Not Repairing a Pec Tear
Patients who forgo surgery often return later with:
- Concavity-type chest deformity
- Visible asymmetry during flexing or lifting
- Loss of the anterior axillary fold
- A tender, band-like structure in the armpit (retracted tendon or scar tissue)
- Chronic weakness, fatigue, or cramping
- Emotional distress related to body image and performance
Some regain partial strength but most never return to 100% without surgical restoration.
Can Surgery Restore Strength, Anatomy, and Appearance?
Yes.
With appropriate surgical treatment:
- Strength and endurance can be restored
- Chest contour and symmetry can improve dramatically
- Shoulder mechanics normalize
- Confidence and quality of life often improve
In acute tears, direct repair is commonly possible.
In muscular, severely retracted, or very old tears, cadaver graft tissue (allograft) may be required to restore anatomy and function.
Advanced Surgery for Chronic, Muscular, and Redo Pec Tears
Complex cases such as:
- Chronic or neglected tears
- Myotendinous injuries
- Severely retracted ruptures
- Failed prior repairs (revision surgery)
Often require allograft reconstruction. Allograft tissue allows restoration of:
- Proper tendon length
- Physiologic tension
- Chest wall contour
- Durable fixation when native tissue is insufficient
These techniques are highly specialized and not routinely performed by general orthopaedic surgeons.
Why Experience Matters: Finding the Best Pec Tear Surgeon in the United States
Pectoralis major tendon tears are relatively uncommon, and many surgeons see very few, if any, during their careers. As a result:
- Injuries may be misdiagnosed
- Surgery may be discouraged incorrectly
- Chronic tears are labeled “irreparable” when they are not
Patients seeking the best pec tear repair surgeon in the United States should look for:
- A surgeon who specializes in pec tears
- Extensive experience with chronic and revision cases
- Expertise in myotendinous and muscular injuries
- Regular use of allograft reconstruction when indicated
Because of this specialization, patients travel from across the United States and around the world to seek my expertise for complex, chronic, and redo pectoralis major tendon tears.
I have had the privilege of treating elite strength athletes, including Hafthor Bjornsson, widely recognized as one of the strongest men in the world. Underscoring the level of trust placed in my approach to these demanding injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pec tear be repaired after months or years?
Yes, many chronic pec tears can still be repaired or reconstructed, even years after injury, when performed by a surgeon experienced in delayed and complex cases.
Can a pec tear be repaired twice?
Yes, revision pectoralis major tendon surgery is possible. Failed prior repairs often require advanced reconstruction techniques, sometimes using allograft tissue.
Do muscular or myotendinous pec tears need surgery?
Often yes, especially in active or strong individuals. These tears are more complex but can be treated surgically by specialists.
Who is the best pec tear repair surgeon in the United States?
The best surgeon is one who specializes in pec tears, treats high volumes of these injuries, manages chronic and revision cases, and has experience with graft-based reconstruction. Many patients seek out my practice specifically for these reasons.
Can pec tear surgery restore appearance as well as strength?
Yes. Modern surgical techniques can restore function, anatomy, and chest aesthetics, even in complex or long-standing injuries.
Key Takeaway
Most pectoralis major tendon tears should be repaired.
Failure to do so, often due to incorrect advice, can lead to permanent weakness, deformity, and emotional distress.
With the right expertise, even chronic, muscular, and revision pec tears can often be successfully treated, restoring strength, symmetry, and confidence.
Learn More or Request a Consultation
Patients from around the world seek consultation to determine whether surgical repair or reconstruction is appropriate. Even after being told their injury was “too old” or “not fixable.”
For educational content, surgical insights, and real-case discussions, follow me on Instagram.
Mora MD
The PecTear MD
Follow my 2 accounts on Instagram: @pectearMD and @SteveMoraMD