Suggest Treatment For Armpit Tendon Injury

Posted on Fri, 27 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : A few days ago I tripped and fell in the dark and my right armpit landed on the edge of my suitcase. I got a gouge-like (shark toothy looking) 2 inch long by maybe 1/4 inch wide wound a few inches from the outer armpit tendon towards the chest. It has so far scabbed up and has been healing fine.. however, I just noticed that when I move my right arm I feel a burning pain and it seems like the tendon has snapped (but why I didn't feel any pain from *that* until now I don't know). The tendon there seems to stop about near the edge of my flesh wound and when I move my arm the now 1 inch long tendon (?) edge there moves about but I can't find the other end. My left arm tendon is solid all the way down. No pain unless I move my right arm certain ways. Is this a torn tendon or muscle tear or what do you think is going on?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It can be a tendon or nerve

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your case and seen your photograph and I want to suggest you to visit doctor as early as possible as it can be a tendon injury. You are able to see one end of the tendon while other end may be retracted. This type of wound (also called as stab wound) are dangerous because from outside it looks small and inside damage can be extensive.
Your doctor might need to get a ultrasound to see what is happening inside or he might need a surgery to asses the damage.
Let me know if you want to ask any thing else. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (37 hours later)

Thank you. I went to an Air Force doctor and he said it wasn't a tendon break but a pulled muscle. I was sure it was the pectoral tendon but if it's just a muscle pull I'm heavily relieved. If it's a torn/pulled muscle it's a real good one because there's nothing there below the wound vs. my left arm has muscle/tendon(?) all the way down. I guess I'll see for sure if/when it heals up. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest you to get mri

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,
If possible I would suggest you to get mri of the arm to confirm. If it is just pulled tendon then why you can see one end and not a intact tendon.
It should be done early as once tendon injury become old then repair become difficult.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj