Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome causes may be congenital abnormalities and neck trauma

Narrowing of the thoracic outlet—the enclosed space between the base of the neck and the armpit through which nerves and blood vessels of the arm must pass—is called thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Most often, thoracic outlet syndrome causes are either a congenital abnormality, including an extra rib, or triggered by neck trauma.

Thoracic outlet syndrome affects people of all ages and genders. The condition is common among athletes who participate in sports that require repetitive motions of the arm and shoulder, including baseball, swimming and volleyball.

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Non-invasive and surgical thoracic outlet syndrome treatment options

Thoracic outlet syndrome treatment usually includes physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or short courses of steroids to eliminate symptoms like arm swelling, tingling or numbness in the fingers or radiating pain in the shoulder, arm or hand.

When these thoracic outlet syndrome treatment options are ineffective, surgery becomes a consideration. If the patient has an extra rib, the physician can remove it to redirect blood vessels around the area or remove part of the first rib in a minimally invasive procedure known as a first rib resection. This surgical process creates more room for the blood vessels and nerves, and it lessens the pain and numbness caused by pressure, reducing the risk of aneurysms and blood clots in serious forms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

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Young soccer player with thoracic outlet syndrome shares her story

Katelyn, a young college soccer player, experienced numbness, tingling and blood clots in her arm. She was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and was treated by a vascular surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas.

Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas