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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
The thoracic outlet syndrome in athletes
1Department of Family Practice and Community Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu 96822, USA.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in athletes presents with varied symptoms, often delaying diagnosis. Treatment typically begins with conservative exercises, with surgery reserved for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) symptoms frequently delay diagnosis in active individuals.
- The condition involves compression of neural or vascular structures in the upper extremity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in athletes.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing TOS in physically active populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE (1991-1996) using keywords: "thoracic outlet syndrome," "sport," "exercise," and "athlete."
- Cross-referencing of articles published before 1991.
Main Results:
- TOS clinical manifestations include pain, numbness, weakness, swelling, and discoloration.
- Common causes of compression involve muscles, anomalous bands, cervical ribs, or clavicular deformities.
- The lower brachial plexus pattern is the most frequent presentation.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosis relies on patient history and physical examination; ancillary studies primarily rule out other conditions.
- Initial treatment focuses on nonoperative, rehabilitative exercises for the neck and shoulder.
- Surgery is reserved for acute vascular issues, progressive neurological deficits, or refractory pain.
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