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Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Nathan Li1, Gregor Dierks2, Hayley E Vervaeke2
1Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of nerves and vessels in the neck. Diagnosis uses history, exam, and imaging, with conservative treatments like physical therapy often effective.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex condition characterized by the compression of neurovascular structures.
- It affects the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels as they pass through the thoracic outlet.
- Symptoms range from pain and paresthesia to pallor and weakness, depending on the specific structures involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of thoracic outlet syndrome.
- To cover its epidemiology, etiology, anatomy, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on thoracic outlet syndrome.
- Synthesis of information regarding diagnostic criteria, conservative treatments, and surgical options.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic consensus for TOS is lacking, but patient history, physical examination, and imaging are crucial.
- Conservative management, including physical therapy, lifestyle changes, NSAIDs, and injections, is the first-line approach.
- Surgical decompression is considered for patients unresponsive to conservative therapies.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome requires a multifaceted approach for diagnosis and management.
- Understanding the epidemiology, anatomy, and clinical features is key to effective treatment.
- A combination of conservative and surgical interventions can improve patient outcomes.
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