Pectoralis Major Injuries in the Army, CY 2016 Active Duty Army APHC PHIP No. 12-03-0719
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study estimated the incidence and cost of both acute and overuse pectoralis major muscle or tendon (PMM/PMT) injuries among Active Duty Army Soldiers. WHY: Though relatively rare, an increase in PMM/PMT ruptures has been attributed to the growing popularity in weight training since these injuries are primarily caused by the bench press. Less severe PMM/PMT strains and overuse injuries are also expected to be increasing. To assess future injury prevention initiatives, a standard method for monitoring these injuries was needed. HOW: CY 2016 PMM/PMT injury visits were estimated by identifying medical diagnosis codes compatible with a PMM/PMT diagnosis in Soldiers' medical records. Based on a clinical review of medical records (100 percent of hospitalizations, 10 percent of outpatient), code-specific probabilities were used to assign weight factors to all diagnoses to estimate injury frequencies and direct medical costs. Indirect costs were estimated using Soldier average pay rates. RESULTS: Five male Soldiers (ages 20 to 25) were hospitalized, and an estimated 2,763 Soldiers (87 percent male; ages 25 to 44) had outpatient visits for a PMM/PMT. Soldiers averaged five medical visits per injury. Direct hospitalization cost ($70,962) was less than 4 percent of the estimated outpatient cost ($1,818,144). Total cost (direct and indirect based on estimated 166,380 days of lost or restricted worktime) was $57 million. CONCLUSION: PMM/PMT injuries include not only ruptures requiring surgical repair, but an even greater number of injuries treated through outpatient services. These preventable musculoskeletal injuries are costly and can result in long durations of lost or restricted worktime. Since PMM/PMT injuries are primarily attributed to the bench press, which is not a required soldier training activity, prevention includes avoidance through alternative weight-training exercises and adherence to proper technique.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1078669
Entities
People
- Bruce H. Jones
- Christa Hirleman
- Elizabeth C. Pinyan
- Lanna J. Forrest
- Tyson Grier
- Veronique D. Hauschild