[Thoracic outlet syndrome: an unusual postoperative complication]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
P Corcia1, A-M Guennoc, M-A Barthez
1Service de Neurologie, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France. corcia@med.univ-tours.fr
Unlabelled:
Introduction. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) is a chronic lower trunk brachial plexus entrapment caused by a cervical rib or a fibrous band. True NTOS is rare and progresses usually slowly. Case report. A 12-year-old girl complained of numbness and weakness of the right upper limb immediately after an orthopedic surgical procedure for scoliosis. Neurological and neurophysiological features were both consistent with a neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS).
Conclusion:
This observation illustrates the risk of NTOS after certain surgical procedures, especially when a prolonged prone position with abducted shoulders is required.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
