thoracic outlet syndrome & surgical treatment.

The thoracic outlet syndrome is a polymorphic clinical entity, whose nature is essentially anatomic, caused by the chronic compression of the neurovascular structures that are originated in the chest or neck and course to the upper extremity. According to the most affected structure, they can be classified as neurologic, arterial or venous syndromes, that may cause discomfort, pain and disability, sometimes definite and irreparable. Thoracic outlet syndrome are often difficult to recognize in clinical practice and it is important to emphasize some peculiar symptoms or signs that each syndrome may present, through specific maneuvers or adequate complementary studies. The great majority of patients may improve with physical therapy or postural correction, and a minority is indicated for surgical therapy.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial entrapment syndromes of the upper extremity. There are two different surgical approaches for its primary surgical treatment: supraclavicular decompression and transaxillary first rib resection.

Due to secondary deterioration of treatment during follow-up, only long-term studies are suited for the examination of neurogenic TOS. Results after supraclavicular decompression are satisfactory, and the complication rate is low.