[Thoracic outlet syndrome: an unusual postoperative complication]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) is a rare condition involving brachial plexus compression, typically caused by anatomical abnormalities like cervical ribs.
• It usually presents with slow progression of symptoms.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old female presented with acute numbness and weakness in her right upper limb immediately following orthopedic surgery for scoliosis.
• Clinical and neurophysiological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of NTOS.

Findings:

• The patient's presentation was consistent with NTOS, despite the typical slow progression of the condition.
• The neurological and neurophysiological findings strongly supported the diagnosis of brachial plexus entrapment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential risk of developing NTOS subsequent to specific surgical procedures.
• Prolonged patient positioning, such as the prone position with abducted shoulders during scoliosis surgery, may increase this risk.