Management Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Research Articles

In Reply: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part I: Systematic Review of the Literature and Consensus on Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part II: Consensus on the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies' Section of Peripheral Nerve Surgery.

In Reply: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part I: Systematic Review of the Literature and Consensus on Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part II: Consensus on the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies' Section of Peripheral Nerve Surgery.

Letter: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part I: Systematic Review of the Literature and Consensus on Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part II: Consensus on the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies' Section of Peripheral Nerve Surgery.

Letter: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part I: Systematic Review of the Literature and Consensus on Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part II: Consensus on the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies' Section of Peripheral Nerve Surgery.

17 years' experience of surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome at a district general hospital.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is caused by compression of the neurovascular structures passing through the thoracic inlet. It is categorised into three subtypes: neurogenic TOS (NTOS), venous TOS (VTOS) and arterial TOS (ATOS). This study evaluates the outcomes of patients who underwent first rib resection (FRR) for TOS during a period of 17 years at a single district general hospital. Retrospective review of patient notes of individuals treated with FRR from August 2004 to August 2021. A total of 62 FRRs were performed on 51 individual patients. Indications for FRR included 42 NTOS (68%), 6 VTOS (10%) and 14 ATOS (23%). Thirty-four patients (64%) were female and the mean age at time of surgery was 39 years (range 27 to 64 years). Eleven patients (21%) underwent bilateral FRR and seven cases of cervical ribs were observed. The mean time from initial symptoms to diagnosis was 18 months (range 2 to 60 months). Overall, outcomes after surgery were positive across all subtypes of TOS. Based on Derkash's classification, 52 patients (84%) reported excellent/good, 8 (13%) reported fair and 2 (3%) reported poor resolution of symptoms at 6 month follow-up. Complications included four (9%) pneumothorax, two (4%) wound infections, two (4%) haematoma, one (2%) haemothorax, three (5%) phrenic nerve complications and one (2%) brachial neuropraxia. FRR for TOS can be performed safely and effectively in a district general hospital environment with excellent patient clinical outcomes.

Trends in the Surgical Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

The operative treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) varies in the United States. This may be due to differences in specialty training of the provider. We sought to identify which procedures are primarily performed by specialty, identify patient characteristics presenting for different neurogenic TOS surgical interventions, and describe the safety of TOS surgery. Patients treated for neurogenic TOS between 2016 and 2018 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Patient characteristics, surgeon details, intraoperative variables, and complication outcomes were abstracted. Patient cohorts were stratified by type of operative intervention and by treating specialty. Transthoracic first rib resection was the most common procedure performed for TOS relief (46.1%), followed by division of the scalene muscles with rib resection (23.9%) and brachial plexus exploration with decompression (19.4%). Vascular surgeons performed 87% of TOS repairs. Thirty-day complication rate was 3.5%. Addition of scalenectomy to first rib resection was common and resulted in increased operative time but did not increase early complication rate or readmission rate. Patient characteristics and dispositions are similar between the various TOS operative approaches. All major surgical treatments for TOS have low complication rates. Transthoracic first rib resection performed by vascular surgeons remains the most common surgical treatment for patients with TOS in the United States. Despite neurogenic symptoms representing most cases, less than 10% of operations are performed by peripheral nerve specialists, highlighting a potential need for greater incorporation of TOS release into peripheral nerve practices.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in the рediatric and аdolescent рopulations

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is challenging to diagnose of it`s different etiology and pathophysiology. For now, all the physical examinations and investigations lack sensitivity and/or specificity. Recent efforts have been made to more clearly define a set of diagnostic criteria that will bring consistency to the diagnosis of TOS. Surgical management remains the mainstay of operative treatment for all patients, who have failed conservative therapy, because of it`s low efficiency.This article aims to review the etiology and pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

TH4.7 Seventeen years experience of surgical management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at a District General Hospital

Abstract Aims To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent first rib resection (FRR) for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) over a period of 17 years at a single District General Hospital (DGH). Methods Retrospective review of patient notes of individuals treated with FRR from August 2004 to August 2021. Results Sixty patients underwent 65 subclavian approach FRR for indications neurogenic (n=45 (69%)), venous (n=6 (9%)), arterial (n=14 (22%)) TOS. Forty-four female patients underwent FRR (68%) and mean age at time of surgery 34 years (range 27 to 64 years). Five patients (7.6%) had bilateral FRR and seven patients (10.6%) diagnosed with cervical rib. Mean length of time from initial symptoms to diagnosis 24 months (range 2 to 60 months). Forty patients (62%) underwent a failed trial of conservative management with physiotherapy before proceeding to surgical management. Fifty-two patients (80%) reported complete resolution of symptoms at follow up. Complications included wound infections 2(3%), pneumothorax 4(6%), haemothorax 1(1.5%), phrenic nerve complications 3(4.6%) and chronic pain 1(1.5%). One patient with phrenic nerve injury underwent diaphragmatic plication procedure with resultant resolution of symptoms. Mean length of stay 1.6 days. Conclusions This series presents the difficulty of diagnosis and management of TOS with the majority of patients enduring symptoms for a prolonged period of time before referral and definitive management. Phrenic nerve complications are an underreported complication of subclavian approach FRR, it is essential to counsel patients accordingly before proceeding to surgery. FRR for TOS can be performed safely and effectively in a DGH environment.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

Thoracic outlet syndrome comprises a group of disorders that result in compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels exiting the thoracic outlet. Symptoms include pain, paresthesia, pallor, and weakness depending upon the compromised structures. While consensus in diagnostic criteria has not yet been established, a thorough patient history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging studies are helpful in diagnosis. General first-line therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is a conservative treatment, and may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, NSAIDs, and injection therapy of botulinum toxin A or steroids. Patients who have failed conservative therapy are considered for surgical decompression. This article aims to review the epidemiology, etiology, relevant anatomy, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Modern Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Conventionally TOS has been thought to represent a group of diverse disorders that result in compression of the neurovascular bundle exiting the thoracic outlet. Until recently, TOS classification has been based on symptoms, rather than the underlying pathology, with the subgroups consisting of neurogenic (NTOS), venous (VTOS or PSS), and arterial (ATOS). Neurogenic TOS accounts for over 95% of the cases, followed by venous (3–5%) and arterial (1–2%). Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) has been further divided into True NTOS (TNTOS) and Disputed NTOS (DNTOS), with DNTOS reportedly representing 95–99% of all neurogenic cases. In order to decrease confusion and to improve therapeutic results with TOS, the disease should be classified based on the underlying pathologic entity. Acquired and traumatic abnormalities of the clavicle and first rib should be classified separately. Clearly after the more common and objectively supported diagnoses of conditions that result in neurovascular symptoms of the upper extremity, such as cervical spine disease, carpal tunnel disease, and nerve entrapment syndromes, have been ruled out, there remains a group of patients who are suspected of having TOS. In these patients, rather than the more usual classification such as arterial, venous, or neurogenic, the more accurate approach from a diagnostic and therapeutic approach is to classify them as: Cervical Rib Disease: Patients with cervical rib syndrome (CRS) can have complications relating to compression of the subclavian artery (previously referred to as ATOS) and the brachial plexus(previously referred to as True NTOS) secondary to a well-formed cervical rib, or to an incompletely formed first rib, fibrous band associated with a rudimentary cervical rib, or a giant transverse process of C7. Thoracic Outlet Disease or “Subclavian Vein Compression Syndrome”: In these patients an abnormal first rib at its junction with the sternum results in compression of the subclavian vein at the subclavian-innominate junction. Compression of the vein results in venous hypertension in the upper extremity and resultant neurologic symptoms. With prolonged compression of the subclavian-innominate junction, the vein clots giving rise to Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Therefore, patients who have been previously classified as Disputed Neurogenic and Venous TOS represent a variable symptomatic presentation of the same pathologic entity, which affects the subclavian vein. Presently MRA of the thoracic outlet with arm maneuvers is the test of choice in patients suspected of having TOS. This test shows the abnormal bony tubercle on the first rib with extrinsic compression of the subclavian innominate junction, which is exacerbated with elevation of the arm above the shoulder. Robotic resection of the medial aspect of the first rib along with disarticulation of the costo-sternal joint has the best reported results to date.

Electrodiagnostic Studies Role in Diagnosis and Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is caused by the compressive effect on brachial plexus or subclavian vessels at the thoracic outlet. The symptoms are usually neurologic, arterial or venous or the combination of them. Method: From these patients we chose 70 patients whom underwent surgery (resection of first rib ,with neurolysis with trans axillary approach) and we had the complete data on EMG -NCV and could follow postoperative course and were completely satisfied by the operation and their symptoms was relieved according the quick DASH Questionnaire and thereby the diagnosis of TOS was proved by the result. Result: The electro diagnostic tests of 6 patients (1.5%) were completely normal. The lower trunk symptoms which should be more frequent in TOS was purely present in 7.1%. Fibrillation and fasciculation along the course of ulnar nerve was present in 10% of cases. The middle trunk abnormal motor NCV was the pure pathology in2.9%. Fibrillation and fasciculation along the course of median nerve (abductor policis berevis) 2.4% and for Brachioradialis (radial nerve) NCV was abnormal in 1.8%. Conclusion: To prove this fact, we selected only the patients who were completely satisfied by the operation and their symptoms was relieved according the quick DASH Questionnaire and thereby we were sure that the diagnosis of TOS has been correct. Retrospectively we evaluated the electrodiagnostic findings in these patients.

Early and Late Outcomes of Surgery for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Adolescents

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that is both complex to diagnose and manage successfully. The aim of our study was to present our experience and outcomes of surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome in adolescents. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively held database of consecutive adolescents (age 10-19years) who underwent surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome between 2005 and 2017 at our university hospital. Fourteen patients were identified (19 operations), with a mean age of 16.5years (SD: 1.9). All patients had symptomatic relief with surgery with low complication rates (1 pneumothorax). Median hospital stay was 2days (IQR: 1). There were no early recurrences but 5 late ones which occurred 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 10years after surgery (20%). None required a second procedure and were managed successfully with physiotherapy. Surgical intervention for thoracic outlet syndrome in the adolescent population results in excellent outcomes in the short term. However, we found that recurrence of symptoms in this population is common and patients need to be counseled clearly about this prior to surgical intervention. However in our experience these do not require further surgery.

Transaxillary decompression of thoracic outlet syndrome: A single-center study

Objective: Transaxillary approach for the surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has the advantage of minimal manipulation of brachial plexus and lesser perioperative and postoperative complications. We studied the clinical presentation and transaxillary surgical excision of the first rib in TOS at our center. Materials and Methods: All patients with TOS were reviewed for their clinical presentation and outcomes of transaxillary approach for thoracic outlet decompression over a period of 10 years. We evaluated the clinical presentation, surgical details, and postoperative course of all patients who underwent surgery. Results: Sixty-three patients of TOS were studied who underwent decompression through transaxillary approach over a period of 10 years. Nearly 79.4% of the patients had neurological symptoms, whereas 20.6% had arterial symptoms. Almost all patients (98.4%) had a cervical rib. One-fourth of the study population had bilateral cervical ribs. Around 17.46% of the patients presented with acute thromboembolism of the brachial artery and were managed with emergency thromboembolectomy. Postoperative complications encountered were pleural breach (11.11%), wound infection (7.94%), and re-thrombosis (1.59%). Conclusions: Transaxillary resection of the cervical/ first rib has excellent results, with less morbidity. It is efficient in relieving symptoms and gives cosmetically acceptable scar. It is proposed that whenever any patient presents with acute upper-limb ischemia, he/she must be evaluated for cervical rib as a cause of TOS.

Outcomes following operative management of thoracic outlet syndrome in the pediatric patients.

Objectives Thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition commonly reported in adults, occurs infrequently in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of surgical interventions of thoracic outlet syndrome in pediatric patients. Methods Clinical records of all pediatric patients with thoracic outlet syndrome who underwent operative repair from 2002 to 2015 in a tertiary pediatric hospital were reviewed. Pertinent clinical variables and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results Sixty-eight patients underwent a total of 72 thoracic outlet syndrome operations (mean age 15.7 years). Venous, neurogenic, and arterial thoracic outlet syndromes occurred in 39 (57%), 21 (31%), and 8 (12%) patients, respectively. Common risk factors for children with venous thoracic outlet syndrome included sports-related injuries (40%) and hypercoagulable disorders (33%). Thirty-five patients (90%) with venous thoracic outlet syndrome underwent catheter-based interventions followed by surgical decompression. All patients underwent first rib resection with scalenectomy via either a supraclavicular approach (n = 60, 88%) or combined supraclavicular and infraclavicular incisions (n = 8, 12%). Concomitant temporary arteriovenous fistula creation was performed in 14 patients (36%). Three patients with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome underwent first rib resection with concomitant subclavian artery aneurysm repair. The mean follow-up duration was 38.4 ± 11.6 months. Long-term symptomatic relief was achieved in 94% of patients. Conclusions Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome in children, followed by neurogenic and arterial thoracic outlet syndromes. Competitive sports-related injuries remain the most common risk factor for venous and neurogenic thoracic outlet syndromes. Temporary arteriovenous fistula creation was useful in venous thoracic outlet syndrome patients in selective children. Surgical decompression provides durable treatment success in children with all subtypes of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Outcomes Following Operative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the Pediatric Patients

Outcomes Following Operative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the Pediatric Patients

Surgical Updates on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a widely recognized, yet highly disputed, syndrome mostly affecting structures of the thoracic outlet, including the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and subclavian vein. Surgical decompression in the form of first rib resection with scalenectomy remains the mainstay of treatment particularly for venous and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. This review serves as an update of recent publications/updates in the literature. Approaches to operative management continue to evolve as minimally invasive techniques have increased in popularity. Diagnostic techniques continue to evolve, particularly with regard to neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, to allow for more timely and accurate diagnosis. Conservative management strategies, such as anterior scalene muscle blocks, are utilized with increasing frequency, although their long-term outcomes remain unclear. The aim of the present work is to review updates in the diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome over the last decade, and discuss utility and outcomes of various strategies.

The Effect of Manual Therapy, Postural Correction and ACUTENS in the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - A Case Study

The Effect of Manual Therapy, Postural Correction and ACUTENS in the Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - A Case Study

Robotic First Rib Resection

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a complex disease, presenting with multiple symptoms arising from a possible combination of subclavian vein, subclavian artery, or brachial plexus compression. Multiple techniques have been used for first rib resection, some of which are no longer used. Current common techniques use a supraclavicular, transaxillary, or infraclavicular approach, each of which has its limitations. Minimally invasive transthoracic approaches have been slow to gain popularity owing to limitations in current video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery instrumentation and technology. We describe a minimally invasive and successful transthoracic approach utilizing the da Vinci robotic system with excellent results and minimal morbidity. The described approach incorporates first rib resection and division of the scalene muscles with removal of the rib in a nonpiecemeal fashion, with clear visualization of the entire rib and the need for minimal dissection around the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus.

Outcome of trans-axillary approach for surgical decompression of thoracic outlet: a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trans-axillary surgical approach in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. This retrospective study is comprised of data acquired from January 1998 until Oct 2008. Case histories of all the patients were reviewed from the Medical Records Department of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute. Relevant information and follow-up of the patients was carried out by examining the relevant clinical notes available by telephone interviews and personal contact whenever possible. All data was compiled and analyzed statistically. There were a total of 139 patients. The female: male ratio was about 6:1. Pain was the most common presenting symptom followed by weakness and parasthesia. Nerve conduction velocity was abnormal in 111 patients. Twenty-eight patients had abnormal Doppler study of subclavian vessels. Preoperative symptoms persisted in 13 patients. Overall, 126 patients showed improvement in symptoms and no recurrence or persistence of symptoms on follow-up examination. Trans-axillary approach provides a good exposure and cosmesis in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. It should be considered as the gold standard in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

A Review of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and the Possible Role of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of This Syndrome

The objective of this paper is to discuss the classification, diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex entity that is characterized by different neurovascular signs and symptoms involving the upper limb. TOS is defined as upper extremity symptoms due to compression of the neurovascular bundle in the area of the neck just above the first rib. Compression is thought to occur at one or more of the three anatomical compartments: the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular space and the retropectoralis minor spaces. The clinical presentation can include both neurogenic and vascular symptoms. TOS can be difficult to diagnose because there is no standardized objective test that can be used and the clinician must rely on history and several positive findings on physical exam. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve conduction may be a sensitive way to detect pathology in the lower trunks of the brachial plexus which is promising for future research. Treatment options continue to be conservative and surgical. However, for those who have failed physical therapy there is research to suggest that botulinum toxin may help with symptom relief. However, given that there has been conflicting evidence, further research is required using randomized controlled trials.

Botulinum toxin injection for management of thoracic outlet syndrome: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

We studied the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections to the scalene muscles on pain in subjects with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in this double-blind, randomized, parallel group trial with follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Thirty-eight patients referred to physiatrists for management of TOS with BTX-A injection were included. One subject was lost to follow-up and all other subjects completed the trial. A 75-unit dose of BTX-A reconstituted with 0.75 cc of normal saline was injected to the anterior scalene (37.5 units) and middle scalene (37.5 units) muscles using electromyographic guidance. The primary outcome measure was pain as measured on a horizontal visual analog scale (VAS) 6 weeks-post-injection. Secondary outcomes were paresthesias measured on a VAS and function measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires. For the primary outcome measure of VAS scores for pain at 6 weeks, the difference in the means adjusted for baseline VAS scores between placebo and BTX-A was 5.03 mm in favor of BTX-A (95% confidence interval −15.7 to 5.7, P = .36). Changes in secondary outcome measures were also not statistically significant. We conclude that BTX-A injections to the scalene muscles did not result in clinically or statistically significant improvements in pain, paresthesias, or function in this population of subjects with TOS.

Thoracic outlet syndrome: definition, aetiological factors, diagnosis, management and occupational impact.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a controversial cause of neck and shoulder pain due to complex mechanisms involving muscular dysfunction and nerve compression. Although management of thoracic outlet syndrome must be based on a multidisciplinary approach, physicians and occupational therapist should be familiar with the principles of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the definitions, diagnosis and management of this syndrome. A particular emphasis was described on the links between the workplace and the individual in the pathogenesis, prevalence in the workforce and the course of this disease.