Exercise-induced scalenus syndrome

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurology

Background:

• Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) encompasses disorders caused by nerve and blood vessel compression in the thoracic outlet.
• Anterior scalenus hypertrophy can lead to exercise-induced scalenus anticus syndrome, a specific TOS mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate anterior scalenus hypertrophy as a cause of TOS in athletes.
• To recommend safe and effective surgical treatment for scalenus anticus syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A case series (Level of evidence, 4) involving 12 young professional athletes with TOS symptoms.
• Patients presented with numbness, tingling, fatigue, weakness, and pain, suspected to be due to scalenus hypertrophy.
• All participants underwent scalenectomy.

Main Results:

• All patients exhibited moderate to severe anterior scalenus muscle hypertrophy.
• Scalenectomy resulted in no intraoperative or postoperative complications.
• Patients achieved rapid return to full activity with no symptom recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Surgical intervention, specifically scalenectomy, is effective for treating scalenus anticus syndrome in athletes.
• The procedure enables athletes to resume full physical activity and enhances their quality of life.
• Surgical intervention is considered the primary treatment for restoring quality of life and physical function in these cases.