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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Brent Pickett, DO and Jeffrey R. Bytomski, DO, FAOASM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Neurogenic or vascular symptoms in the upper extremity due to compression of the neurovascular bundle (brachial plexus and subclavian vessels) by skeletal and/or muscular structures ...

DIAGNOSIS

Thoracic outlet syndrome is largely a clinical diagnosis. 

HISTORY

  • Neurogenic and vascular symptoms related to certain positions

  • Worse with lifting heavy objects, overhead activities, shoulder ...

TREATMENT

  • Conservative therapy is the initial approach, except in cases of thromboembolic phenomena with acute vascular occlusion, stenosis, arterial dilatation, or progressive neurologic deficits.

  • Med...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Surgical referral if signs of vascular compromise or severe neurogenic symptoms are present

  • Surgical referral when a cervical rib or extra-long transverse process ...

REFERENCES

1
Farrar T, Rankin G, Chatfield M. Venous thoracic outlet syndrome: approach to diagnosis and treatment with focus on affected athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep.  2014;13(2):81–85.
2
Fugate M...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome is a largely clinical diagnosis, although radiographic studies can be helpful if diagnosis is unclear.

  • Treatment is often conservative, consisting of activity m...

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