Learn About Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare condition that involves:
- Pain in the neck and shoulder
- Numbness and tingling of the fingers
- A weak grip
- Swelling of the affected limb
- Coldness of the affected limb
The thoracic outlet is the area between the ribcage and collarbone.
Nerves coming from the spine and major blood vessels of the body pass through a narrow space near your shoulder and collarbone on the way to the arms. Sometimes, there is not enough space for the nerves to pass by through the collarbone and upper ribs.
Pressure (compression) on these blood vessels or nerves can cause symptoms in the arms or hands.
Pressure may happen if you have:
- An extra rib above the first one.
- An abnormal tight band connecting the spine to the ribs.
People with this syndrome often have injured the area in the past or overused the shoulder.
People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be more likely to develop this condition because of extra pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the pinky and ring fingers, and the inner forearm
- Pain and tingling in the neck and shoulders (carrying something heavy may make the pain worse)
- Signs of poor circulation in the hand or forearm (a bluish color, cold hands, or a swollen arm)
- Weakness of the muscles in the hand
Physical therapy is often used to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. It aims to:
- Make your shoulder muscles stronger
- Improve your range of motion in the shoulder
- Promote better posture
Your provider may prescribe pain medicine.
If there is pressure on a vein, your provider may give you a blood thinner to prevent a blood clot.
You may need surgery if physical therapy and changes in activity do not improve your symptoms. The surgeon may make a cut either under your armpit or just above your collarbone.
During surgery, the following may be done:
- An extra rib is removed and certain muscles are cut.
- A section of the first rib is removed to release pressure in the area.
- Bypass surgery is done to reroute blood around the compression or remove the area that is causing the symptoms.
Your surgeon may also suggest other alternatives, including angioplasty, if the artery is narrowed.
The Regents Of The University Of California
Bryan Burt is a Thoracic Surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Burt is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Mesothelioma, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Thymic Epithelial Tumor, Thymectomy, and Endoscopy.
The Regents Of The University Of California
Hugh Gelabert is a Vascular Surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Gelabert is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Aberrant Subclavian Artery, Brachial Plexopathy, Osteotomy, and Aneurysm Repair.
Massachusetts General Physicians Organization Inc
Dean Donahue is a Thoracic Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Donahue is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Retinopathy Arteriosclerotic, Febrile Neutropenia, and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer. Dr. Donahue is currently accepting new patients.
Surgery to remove the extra rib and break up tight fiber bands may ease symptoms in some people. Some people have symptoms that return after surgery.
Complications can occur with any surgery, and depend on the type of procedure and anesthesia.
Risks related to this surgery include:
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels, causing muscle weakness
- Lung collapse (pneumothorax)
- Failure to relieve the symptoms
Summary: The aim of this observational study was to learn about the characteristics of dysfunctional breathing in individuals with thoracic outlet syndrome. The main question to be answered is: Is there a dysfunctional breathing pattern in individuals with Thoracic outlet syndrome? These features will be compared with a healthy control group to evaluate the association of Thoracic outlet syndrome with dysf...
Summary: This is a study of biomarkers obtained from prospectively collected subject samples and their correlation with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this initiative is to develop an enduring tool to allow for collaborative research between clinicians at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and basic scientists at the Lerner Research Institute. This collaboration will allow resources to be ...
Published Date: October 09, 2024
Published By: Mary C. Mancini, MD, PhD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Shreveport, LA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Filler AG. Brachial plexus nerve entrapments and thoracic outlet syndromes. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 277.
Grunebach H, Lum YW. Thoracic outlet syndrome: pathophysiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 123.