Boney abnormalities cause arterial, venous, and/or neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition caused by compression of the neurovascular structures within the thoracic outlet. Different classifications of TOS exist depending on the neurovascular structure being compressed: neurogenic, venous, or arterial. Any of these forms can present independently or coexist with one other. TOS symptoms are sometimes precipitated by the presence of boney abnormalities that often require surgical intervention for ultimate resolution. This retrospective review will examine the presentations and outcomes of patients with TOS whose cause was a boney abnormality.

A total of 73 patients who underwent thoracic outlet surgery between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed via electronic medical records. Twelve (16%) patients demonstrated boney abnormalities on presentation causing their symptoms. The patients with boney abnormalities were analyzed based on venous, arterial, or neurogenic TOS diagnosis.

Of the 12 patients with boney abnormalities, 5 were classified as venous TOS, 6 patients as neurogenic TOS, and 1 as arterial TOS. The boney abnormalities were as follows: venous TOS: three clavicular fractures, one nonfused congenital clavicle, and one residual rib; neurogenic TOS: three fractured first ribs, one fractured clavicle, and two cervical ribs; and arterial TOS: fused first and second rib with bilateral cervical ribs and arterial compression. Postoperatively, there were no artery, vein, or nerve injuries. Five patients had a pneumothorax treated over night with a chest tube, and one patient had a superficial wound infection. The median hospital stay was 1 day. All patients completed physical therapy after surgery. All patients have symptom resolution at follow-up.

Patients with boney abnormalities constitute about one-fifth of patients who can present with all three forms of TOS: neurogenic, arterial, and venous, and some will have more than one of these presentations. Results in patients undergoing surgery with boney abnormalities causing thoracic outlet syndrome are excellent with symptom resolution and without substantial complications.