Long-term functional results for the surgical management of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

To document long-term functional outcomes in patients treated for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS).

Records of all patients undergoing treatment for NTOS at our center were reviewed. Patient demographics and co-morbidities were recorded. End-points included symptomatic relief, peri-operative adjunctive procedures, functional outcome and employment continuity.

From 1988-2008, 26 patients were operated upon for NTOS. Hallmarks of the diagnosis in operated patients included symptom duration less than 1 year and a positive Roos test. Patients receiving disability and those with cervical spine pathology or carpal tunnel syndrome were not considered for surgery. Mean patient age was 39.2 years (range 14-60 years) with a mean follow-up of 104.4 months. Eleven patients (42.3%) engaged in pre-operative physical therapy programs. 7 of 9 patients (26.9%) received adjunctive peri-procedural scalene block with temporary symptom relief. All patients underwent thoracic outlet decompression by either 1st rib resection [18 total: 8 (44%) transaxillary and 10 (66%) supraclavicular)], cervical rib resection [6 (26.1%)] and/or scalenectomy [12 (46.2%)]. Of the 22 patients available for follow-up, six patients (27.3%) have required continued post-operative narcotic analgesics. Sixteen patients (72.7%) returned to work and reported being at an equivalent or better functional outcome than their pre-operative status.

Durable long-term functional outcomes can be achieved predicated on a highly selective approach to the surgical management of patients with NTOS. A majority of operated patients will not require adjunctive procedures or chronic narcotic utilization. Patients who undergo surgery can expect to return to work with little or no functional impairment.