Treatment Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Research Articles

Thoracic outlet syndrome: single-center experience on the transaxillary approach with the aid of the TRIMANO Arthrex arm

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a pathology caused by compression on the neurovascular bundle by the first rib. The treatment of TOS is conservative management by analgesia and physiotherapy; however, if there is no response to conservative treatment, surgery is indicated through thoracic outlet decompression by first rib resection. Several surgical techniques are available, including supraclavicular, transaxillary, and transthoracic first rib resection approaches. The transaxillary approach provides better visualization on the neurovascular bundle and, thus, is sometimes the preferred method of treatment. The transaxillary approach has been criticized due to safety concerns regarding the neural bundle during surgical exposure. During surgery, hyperabduction of the arm is obtained by a surgical assistant, and the quality of exposure can decrease with time, or an iatrogenic injury to the neural bundle (brachial plexus) can occur from the hyperabduction. The use of the TRIMANO Arthrex arm can help in the exposure, instead of a surgical aide, because it provides stable exposure and visualization for the operating surgeon. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing transaxillary first rib resection using the TRIMANO Arthrex arm between June 2021 and December 2022. During installation, the patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position and the TRIMANO Arthrex arm is fixed at the operating table at the height of the patient’s shoulder. Thus, the surgical aide can help the surgeon during the surgery, rather than placing the arm into and out of hyperabduction. The use of hyperabduction is limited to 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of rest, to decrease the tension on the neurovascular bundle. The surgeon then performs the transaxillary approach and systematically resects the first rib, scalene muscles, and subclavian muscles. By this approach, the inferior brachial plexus is also lysed. In our review, we found a total of 15 procedures of first rib resection for the treatment of TOS with the aid of the TRIMANO Arthrex arm that met our inclusion criteria. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. None of the patients sustained an injury to the neurovascular bundle. All the patients had an uneventful hospital stay postoperatively, and none presented with a hematoma. The drain placed during surgery was removed on postoperative day 2. All patients had at least one radiograph taken during their hospitalization, with no pleural effusion or pneumothorax found. The use of the TRIMANO Arthrex arm is safe and can help in the positioning and installation of the patients undergoing transaxillary first rib resection. It decreases the number of surgical assistants and offers great comfort for the surgeon because it provides stable exposure for the operating surgeon.

Surgical approaches for thoracic outlet decompression in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a controversial and uncommon syndrome. Three different diagnoses can be made based on the compressed structure: arterial TOS, venous TOS, and neurogenic TOS. Diagnosing TOS, especially neurogenic TOS, remains difficult since a single diagnostic tool does not exist. Although this resulted in a lot of confusion, standardization of care and outcome improved daily care practice measures in the last decade. Current treatment algorithms consist of both conservative and surgical treatment approaches, which should be chosen depending on the type of TOS and extend of the complaints. Surgical treatment of TOS is performed via thoracic outlet decompression (TOD). TOD surgery includes complete resection of the first rib (cartilage to cartilage), transection of the scalene muscles and complete neurolysis/venolysis or arteriolysis. Four different approaches can be chosen for TOD surgery: the transaxillary (TA), supraclavicular (SC), paraclavicular (PC), and infraclavicular (IC) approach. The TA, SC, and PC approach can be used for every form of TOS. However, the PC approach is mostly used for treating venous TOS. The IC approach has no role in treating neurogenic or arterial TOS and is only used for venous TOS. Every approach has its own benefits and limitations and literature does not agree on what approach is best. Therefore, the used surgical approach for TOD should be based on the surgeon's preference and experience. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the diagnostic pathway and provide an in-depth description of the surgical approach in each form of TOS.

A cadaveric demonstration of the transaxillary approach to first rib resection for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

A cadaveric demonstration of the transaxillary approach to first rib resection for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Conservative Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Conservative Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review

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: a review

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition (1-3 per 100,000) caused by neurovascular compression at the thoracic outlet and presents with arm pain and swelling, arm fatigue, paresthesias, weakness, and discoloration of the hand. TOS can be classified as neurogenic, arterial, or venous based on the compressed structure(s). Patients develop TOS secondary to congenital abnormalities such as cervical ribs or fibrous bands originating from a cervical rib leading to an objectively verifiable form of TOS. However, the diagnosis of TOS is often made in the presence of symptoms with physical examination findings (disputed TOS). TOS is not a diagnosis of exclusion, and there should be evidence for a physical anomaly that can be corrected. In patients with an identifiable narrowing of the thoracic outlet and/or symptoms with a high probability of thoracic outlet neurovascular compression, diagnosis of TOS can be established through history, a physical examination maneuvers, and imaging. Neck trauma or repeated work stress can cause scalene muscle scaring or dislodging of a congenital cervical rib that can compress the brachial plexus. Nonsurgical treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy/strengthening exercises, and botulinum toxin injections. The most common surgical treatments include brachial plexus decompression, neurolysis, and scalenotomy with or without first rib resection. Patients undergoing surgical treatment for TOS should be seen postoperatively to begin passive/assisted mobilization of the shoulder. By 8 weeks postoperatively, patients can begin resistance strength training. Surgical treatment complications include injury to the subclavian vessels potentially leading to exsanguination and death, brachial plexus injury, hemothorax, and pneumothorax. In this review, we outline the diagnostic tests and treatment options for TOS to better guide clinicians in recognizing and treating vascular TOS and objectively verifiable forms of neurogenic TOS.

Botulinum Toxin A, a Better Choice for Skeletal Muscle Block in a Comparative Study With Lidocaine in Rats.

A positive response to scalene muscle block (SMB) is an important indication for the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Lidocaine injection is commonly used in clinical practice in SMB, although there have been some cases of misdiagnosis. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is one of the therapeutic agents in SMB, but whether it is also indicated for SMB diagnosis is controversial. To evaluate the muscle block efficiency of these two drugs, the contraction strength was repeatedly recorded on tibialis anterior muscle in rats. It was found that at a safe dosage, 2% lidocaine performed best at 40 μL, but it still exhibits an unsatisfactory partial blocking efficiency. Moreover, neither lidocaine injection in combination with epinephrine or dexamethasone nor multiple locations injection could improve the blocking efficiency. On the other hand, injections of 3, 6, and 12 U/kg BTX-A all showed almost complete muscle block. Gait analysis showed that antagonistic gastrocnemius muscle, responsible for heel rising, was paralyzed for nonspecific blockage in the 12 U/kg BTX-A group, but not in the 3 U/kg or 6 U/kg BTX-A group. Cleaved synaptosomal associated protein 25 (c-SNAP 25) was stained to test the transportation of BTX-A, and was additionally observed in the peripheral muscles in 6 and 12 U/kg groups. c-SNAP 25, however, was barely detectable in the spinal cord after BTX-A administration. Therefore, our results suggest that low dosage of BTX-A may be a promising option for the diagnostic SMB of thoracic outlet syndrome. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Muscle block is important for the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome and commonly performed with lidocaine. However, misdiagnosis was observed sometimes. Here, we found that intramuscular injection of optimal dosage lidocaine only partially blocked the muscle contraction in rats, whereas low-dosage botulinum toxin, barely used in diagnostic block, showed almost complete block without affecting the central nervous system. This study suggests that botulinum toxin might be more suitable for muscle block than lidocaine in clinical practice.

Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review for the primary care provider.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) symptoms are prevalent and often confused with other diagnoses. A PubMed search was undertaken to present a comprehensive article addressing the presentation and treatment for TOS. This article summarizes what is currently published about TOS, its etiologies, common objective findings, and nonsurgical treatment options. The PubMed database was conducted for the range of May 2020 to September 2021 utilizing TOS-related Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic literature review was conducted to identify the most common etiologies, the most objective findings, and the most effective nonsurgical treatment options for TOS. The search identified 1,188 articles. The automated merge feature removed duplicate articles. The remaining 1,078 citations were manually reviewed, with articles published prior to 2010 removed (n=771). Of the remaining 307 articles, duplicate citations not removed by automated means were removed manually (n=3). The other exclusion criteria included: non-English language (n=21); no abstracts available (n=56); and case reports of TOS occurring from complications of fractures, medical or surgical procedures, novel surgical approaches, or abnormal anatomy (n=42). Articles over 5 years old pertaining to therapeutic intervention (mostly surgical) were removed (n=18). Articles pertaining specifically to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) were sparse and all were utilized (n=6). A total of 167 articles remained. The authors added a total of 20 articles that fell outside of the search criteria, as they considered them to be historic in nature with regards to TOS (n=8), were related specifically to OMT (n=4), or were considered sentinel articles relating to specific therapeutic interventions (n=8). A total of 187 articles were utilized in the final preparation of this manuscript. A final search was conducted prior to submission for publication to check for updated articles. Symptoms of hemicranial and/or upper-extremity pain and paresthesias should lead a physician to evaluate for musculoskeletal etiologies that may be contributing to the compression of the brachial plexus. The best initial provocative test to screen for TOS is the upper limb tension test (ULTT) because a negative test suggests against brachial plexus compression. A positive ULTT should be followed up with an elevated arm stress test (EAST) to further support the diagnosis. If TOS is suspected, additional diagnostic testing such as ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) might be utilized to further distinguish the vascular or neurological etiologies of the symptoms. Initial treatment for neurogenic TOS (nTOS) is often conservative. Data are limited, therefore there is no conclusive evidence that any one treatment method or combination is more effective. Surgery in nTOS is considered for refractory cases only. Anticoagulation and surgical decompression remain the treatment of choice for vascular versions of TOS. The most common form of TOS is neurogenic. The most common symptoms are pain and paresthesias of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Diagnosis of nTOS is clinical, and the best screening test is the ULTT. There is no conclusive evidence that any one treatment method is more effective for nTOS, given limitations in the published data. Surgical decompression remains the treatment of choice for vascular forms of TOS.

Poster 119: Outcomes after Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Professional Baseball Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Objectives:Determine the performance and return to play (RTP) outcomes for professional baseball players that undergo surgical treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.Methods:All professional baseball players who underwent surgical treatment of TOS between 2010-2017 were identified using the major league baseball (MLB) HITS (Health and Injury Tracking System) database. Demographic and performance data (pre and post-surgery) for each player was recorded. Standard demographic and return to play outcomes were measured for all players and compared between different types of TOS and league status. Performance variables were analyzed for pitchers and compared to a 1:1 matched set of control pitchers.Results:Overall, 52 players underwent surgery for TOS of which 46 (88%) were pitchers. Neurogenic TOS was the most common and seen in 69% of players. Venous TOS was seen in 29% of players, and a single player had arterial TOS. Following TOS surgery, 79% of players returned to play at the same level (RTSP) and played at least 3 years after surgery. There was no differences in RTSP rate based on the type of TOS. There was no statistically significant difference in RTP and RTSP rates between major and minor league players. In pitchers only, there was a 76% RTSP, which was not different from the natural attrition of control pitchers (p=0.874). Following TOS surgery, pitchers saw a decline in several performance metrics, but not statistically different when compared to the control pitchers. This indicated that the decline in performance following TOS surgery was similar to the decline seen in healthy professional pitchers as they age.Conclusions:The most common type of TOS seen in professional baseball players is neurogenic. The RTSP rate following surgery for TOS in all professional baseball players is 79%. There was no statistically significant difference in ability to RTP based on the type of TOS or league status. Pitchers who underwent surgery for TOS had no significant difference in pitching performance metrics following surgery compared to matched controls. Overall, surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome can help prolong a professional baseball players career and help pitchers maintain their performance over time similar to their peers who have not had surgery for TOS.

Thoracic outlet compression neuropathy and decompression surgery at chang gung memorial hospital

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has many controversies that include nomenclature, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and surgical approach. The aim of this article is to give a comprehensive review of our experience of treatment of TOS for more than 35 years. From 1985 to 2021, a total of 100 TOS patients were treated and 114 surgeries were performed. They all had decompression surgeries for their compression neuropathy in the thoracic outlet with at least one year postoperative follow-up. Fourteen patients were bilateral TOS, undergoing bilateral TOS surgeries. Preoperative evaluation covered “TOS Examination Sheet” and imaging studies MRI and CT. Diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative findings. All had near-total resection of the anterior scalene muscle and the first rib. Additional structual abnormalities were treated at the same time. The operative time was typically 2–3 h. Major postoperative complications were rare. Nearly all patients (96%) experienced significant symptoms and signs relief after a period of clinical follow-up and rehabilitation. TOS is a real clinical entity. Once the preoperative diagnosis is made, conservative treatment is followed but failed, decompression surgery with extensive resection of anterior scalene muscle and the 1 st rib, and any other structural abnormalities is recommended to resolve the problems. Long-term postoperative follow-up is crucial and important to resolve the residual problems. Our result carries a 96% success rate with a favorable benefit:risk ratio. • A total of 100 thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) patients were treated and 114 surgeries were performed. • Preoperative evaluation, intraoperative findings and procedure, and postoperative follow-up were included. • Decompression surgery included resection of anterior scalene muscle, the 1st rib, and any other structural abnormalities. • Our result carries a 96% success rate with a favorable benefit:risk ratio.

Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Outcome of Chronic Headaches (P8-2.006)

Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Outcome of Chronic Headaches (P8-2.006)

Is there something new in the diagnosis and treatment of TOS and Paget-Schroetter syndrome ?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a syndrome of pathologic neurologic and vascular symptoms involving the upper limb. Its most serious complication, Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, is a major clinical problem, posing a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to specialists not only in angiology and vascular surgery but also in neurology and physiotherapy. There is a need for in-depth examination and differentiation of patients with suspected compression syndrome. We present a review paper covering the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Evaluation of Quality of Life after Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

To evaluate the quality of life of surgically treated patients for TOS. A prospective observational study, including patients treated surgically for TOS in2018. Two standardized questionnaires: Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) were used. The SF-12 consists of a physical and mental component (PCS-SF-12 and MCS-SF-12). The questionnaires were completed during the preoperative and postoperative consultations and at 3, 6, and 12months. We performed 53 interventions. The population was mostly female (n=35, 66.0%) of 40.1±10.0years. The preoperative DASH score was 46.3±19.7. It was 40.9±21.7 at 6weeks, 33.5±22.7 at 3months, 28.9±22.6 at 6months, and 21.1±20 at 9 to 12months. The improvement of DASH becomes statistically significant at 3months (P=0.036), 6months (P=0.002), and 12months (P=0.001). The preoperative MCS-SF-12 was 36.6±9.4. It was 41.6±10.9 at 6weeks, 43.8±11.1 at 3months, 46.2±11.8 at 6months, and 51.4±8 at 8 to 12months. The improvement of MCS-SF-12 became significant at 3months (P=0.009), 6months (P=0.001), and 12months (P=0.001). The preoperative PCS-SF-12 was 35.5±6.4. It was 37.1±8.7 at 6weeks, 39.9±8.7 at 3months, 41.6±8.4 at 6months, and 46.1±8.1 to 12months. The improvement of PCS-SF-12 became significant at 6months (P=0.005) and 12months (P=0.001). The surgical management of TOS allows for an improvement in quality of life in the short and medium terms.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Single Center Experience on Robotic Assisted First Rib Resection and Literature Review.

BackgroundThoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a pathological condition caused by a narrowing between the clavicle and first rib leading to a compression of the neurovascular bundle to the upper extremity. The incidence of TOS is probably nowadays underestimated because the diagnosis could be very challenging without a thorough clinical examination along with appropriate clinical testing. Beside traditional supra-, infraclavicular or transaxillary approaches, the robotic assisted first rib resection has been gaining importance in the last few years.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent robotic assisted first rib resection due to TOS at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital and then we performed a narrative review of the English literature using PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus.ResultsBetween June 2020 and November 2021, eleven robotic assisted first rib resections were performed due to TOS at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital. Median length of stay was 2 days (Standard Deviation: +/– 0.67 days). Median surgery time was 180 min (Standard Deviation: +/– 36.5). No intra-operative complications were reported.ConclusionsRobotic assisted first rib resection could represent a safe and feasible option in expert hands for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Commentary: Subclavian Artery Flow Dynamics Evaluated by Analytical Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Videoangiography During Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Case Series.

Department of Neurosurgery and Neurorestoration, Klinikum Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt (Carinthia), Austria Correspondence: Thomas Kretschmer, MD, PhD, Abteilung für Neurochirurgie und Neurorestauration Klinikum Klagenfurt Feschnigstr, 11 A-9020, Klagenfurt, Austria. Email: [email protected]

Хирургическое лечение больных с синдромом грудного выхода, обусловленным изменениями в передней лестничной мышце

Введение. Одной из главных причин синдрома грудного выхода являются изменения в передней лестничной мышце в результате компрессии плечевого сплетения и подключичных сосудов. Стандартное оперативное вмешательство с целью устранения компрессии позволяет существенно улучшить результаты хирургического лечения, однако, учитывая длительность периода восстановления функций пораженных верхних конечностей и возобновление симптоматики, особенно боли, в послеоперационном периоде, проблема лечения СГВ остается актуальной на сегодняшний день. Целью исследования было улучшение результатов хирургического лечения больных с синдромом грудного выхода, обусловленным изменениями в передней лестничной мышце, путем усовершенствования методов длительной электростимуляции структур плечевого сплетения. Материалы и методы. В клинике восстановительной нейрохирургии были прооперированы 37 пациентов с синдромом грудного выхода, обусловленным изменениями в передней лестничной мышце. Всем пациентам проведены невролиз, ангиолиз и декомпрессия нейрососудистого пучка в надключичной области, в том числе 14 больным с использованием методики длительной электростимуляции структур плечевого сплетения «НейСи-3М» («ВЭЛ», Киев, Украина). Результаты. Сочетание декомпрессии структур плечевого сплетения и подключичных сосудов с дополнительной длительной электростимуляцией в послеоперационном периоде позволило достичь у 92,3 % пациентов положительного эффекта в виде восстановления нервно-мышечного аппарата, чувствительных и трофических функций верхней конечности, а также стабильного регресса болевого синдрома. Выводы. Длительная электростимуляция плечевого сплетения — эффективный метод для восстановления нервно-мышечного аппарата и чувствительных функций верхней конечности, обеспечивающий стабильное купирование болевого синдрома у больных с синдромом грудного выхода.

Subclavian Artery Flow Dynamics Evaluated by Analytical Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Videoangiography During Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Case Series.

Indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography is rarely used during the surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). To evaluate subclavian artery (SA) flow dynamics using the analytical ICG videoangiography during TOS surgeries. We examined patients with neurogenic TOS who received surgical treatment and whose SA blood flow at the interscalene space was evaluated using ICG videoangiography equipped with an analytical function (FLOW800). Anterior scalenectomy with or without middle scalenectomy and first rib resection were conducted for decompression of the brachial plexus. ICG videoangiography was performed before and after decompression of the brachial plexus. After acquisition of grayscale and color-coded maps, a region of interest was placed in the SA to obtain time-intensity diagrams. Maximum intensity (MI), rise time (RT), and blood flow index (BFi) were calculated from the diagram, in arbitrary intensity (AI) units. We compared values before and after decompression. Comparisons of the three parameters before and after decompression were assessed statistically using the paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We evaluated nine procedures in consecutively presenting patients. The observed mean values of MI, RT, and BFi before decompression were 174.1 ± 61.5 AI, 5.2 ± 1.1 s, and 35.2 ± 13.5 AI/s, respectively, and the observed mean values of MI, RT, and BFi after decompression were 299.3 ± 167.4 AI, 6.6 ± 0.8 s, and 44.6 ± 28.3 AI/s, respectively. These parameters showed higher values after decompression than before decompression, and the increase in MI and RT was statistically significant (P < .05). ICG videoangiography allows semiquantitative evaluation of hemodynamic changes during TOS surgery. A marked decrease in the velocity of SA flow was observed after decompression.

Algorithm for Surgical Decision Making in Patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Purpose: Historically the classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) has been based on symptoms rather than the underlying pathology. Therefore, TOS has been classified into Neurogenic (NTOS), Venous (VTOS or Paget Schroetter Syndrome) and Arterial (ATOS) subgroups. This classification has resulted in confusion among medical practitioners, difficulty in making the diagnosis, and the poor results with surgical intervention. Methods: The published papers from PubMed on the newer understanding of the pathogenesis and the surgical treatment of TOS were reviewed. Results: More recently TOS has been classified based on the underlying pathologic entity. Based on this classification, patients who are suspected of having TOS should be classified as having 1. Cervical Rib Disease (CRD), or 2. TOS as the result of “Subclavian Vein Compression Syndrome”. This classification has resulted in more accurate diagnosis, better patient selection for surgery, and excellent surgical results. This paper outlines the algorithm for making the appropriate diagnosis in patients who present with neurovascular symptoms of the upper extremity and the selection of the appropriate patients for surgery. Conclusion: Based on the algorithm for surgical decision making, patients with Cervical Rib Disease should undergo cervical exploration and resection of the pathologic entity which results in compression of the brachial plexus or the subclavian artery in the neck. Patients with Thoracic outlet Syndrome who are found to have extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein by a pathologic tubercle at the sternocostal joint on Multiphasic MRA should undergo robotic first rib resection.

Algorithm for Surgical Decision Making in Patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Purpose: Historically the classification of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) has been based on symptoms rather than the underlying pathology. Therefore, TOS has been classified into Neurogenic (NTOS), Venous (VTOS or Paget Schroetter Syndrome) and Arterial (ATOS) subgroups. This classification has resulted in confusion among medical practitioners, difficulty in making the diagnosis, and the poor results with surgical intervention. Methods: The published papers from PubMed on the newer understanding of the pathogenesis and the surgical treatment of TOS were reviewed. Results: More recently TOS has been classified based on the underlying pathologic entity. Based on this classification, patients who are suspected of having TOS should be classified as having 1. Cervical Rib Disease (CRD), or 2. TOS as the result of “Subclavian Vein Compression Syndrome”. This classification has resulted in more accurate diagnosis, better patient selection for surgery, and excellent surgical results. This paper outlines the algorithm for making the appropriate diagnosis in patients who present with neurovascular symptoms of the upper extremity and the selection of the appropriate patients for surgery. Conclusion: Based on the algorithm for surgical decision making, patients with Cervical Rib Disease should undergo cervical exploration and resection of the pathologic entity which results in compression of the brachial plexus or the subclavian artery in the neck. Patients with Thoracic outlet Syndrome who are found to have extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein by a pathologic tubercle at the sternocostal joint on Multiphasic MRA should undergo robotic first rib resection.

Congenital cervical rib causing thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a common condition caused by compression of neurovascular vessels traveling through the thoracic outlet. There are three categories of TOS, arterial (aTOS), neurogenic (nTOS), and venous (vTOS). These commonly present with pain in the neck, upper extremity weakness, paresthesia, swelling, and discoloration. TOS can be caused by a cervical rib, which is a rare and usually benign anomaly. This typically results in aTOS. This case, however, presents a 13-year-old male patient with nTOS caused by a cervical rib. He presented with weakness and pain of his right arm and a prior history of a partial neck mass resection. A physical exam revealed a firm supraclavicular mass and X-ray images confirmed the diagnosis of nTOS. Surgical resection of the anomalous rib was performed via a supraclavicular approach. Due to the difficulty of this operation, a multidisciplinary surgery team was formed, ensuring a positive outcome for the patient. To our knowledge only two case reports of nTOS caused by a cervical rib compression of the brachial plexus exist. One was iatrogenic and the other treated non-surgically. Due to this lack of knowledge as well as the debate on surgical versus non-surgical treatment of TOS, this case report seeks to bolster the current literature with a positive outcome to correction of a rare presentation.