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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review.
Richard J Sanders1, Sharon L Hammond, Neal M Rao
1Department Surgery, Rose Medical Center, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. rsanders@ecentral.com
The Neurologist
|November 15, 2008
Summary
Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can be challenging, especially the neurogenic form. While vascular TOS is confirmed with angiography, neurogenic TOS diagnosis relies on clinical findings and promising nerve tests.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) encompasses arterial, venous, and neurogenic forms, recognized since the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Vascular TOS diagnosis and treatment are well-established.
- Neurogenic TOS presents diagnostic challenges due to the lack of a definitive objective test.
Observation:
- Clinical features of arterial, venous, and neurogenic TOS are presented.
- Neurogenic TOS is the most prevalent form, necessitating detailed discussion of its pathology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment.
- The abstract addresses the ongoing debate surrounding objective and subjective diagnostic criteria for neurogenic TOS.
Findings:
- Arterial and venous TOS are typically diagnosed via angiography.
- Neurogenic TOS diagnosis is complex due to non-specific nerve compression symptoms.
- Clinical diagnosis of neurogenic TOS depends on multiple positive physical examination findings.
Implications:
- Objective diagnostic tests for neurogenic TOS are still lacking, though medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve measurements show potential.
- Improved diagnostic methods for neurogenic TOS are crucial for timely and accurate patient management.
- Further research into objective diagnostic tools could standardize neurogenic TOS diagnosis and treatment.
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