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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Management of Supraclavicular Nerve Transection With Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface During Neurogenic
Samantha Cervantes Valadez1, Alexa de la Fuente Hagopian1, Anthony Echo1
1From the Institute for Reconstructive Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX.
Background:
Chronic pain is a known complication following neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) procedures, often resulting from supraclavicular nerve (SCN) injury and neuroma formation. Despite its clinical significance, there is limited literature on techniques to address the SCN in nTOS surgery. This study evaluates the use of regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) to mitigate neuropathic pain and reduce the risk of symptomatic neuroma formation when the SCN is divided during nTOS surgery.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of 12 patients who underwent supraclavicular nTOS surgery with RPNI of the SCN between 2021 and 2024. The SCN and its branches were coapted to an autologous free muscle graft, secured within its epimysium, and folded to complete the RPNI. The omohyoid was used as the donor muscle in most cases.
Results:
A total of 12 patients (median age 32 y) underwent SCN RPNI at the time of nTOS decompression. The omohyoid was used in 7 cases, the scalene in 3, the trapezius in 1, and the sternocleidomastoid in 1. At follow-up (mean 11 mo), most patients reported improvement in nTOS-related symptoms. Five patients, all with prior nTOS surgery, reported persistent discomfort reflecting ongoing nTOS rather than new focal supraclavicular neuropathic pain. No clinical symptoms characteristic of supraclavicular neuromas were observed at short-term follow-up.
Conclusions:
RPNI of the SCN is a feasible adjunct during supraclavicular nTOS when the nerve must be divided, with no clinically evident neuromas observed at short-term follow-up. Larger controlled studies with standardized outcome measures are needed to clarify its independent impact.
