Malunion of a clavicle fracture caused thoracic outlet syndrome in a professional violinist.

Clavicle fractures are a common injury in adults. Most patients are treated non-operatively. In this case report, a 53-year-old professional violinist had a midt shaft clavicula fracture and was treated non-operatively. The fracture healed, but the patient developed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and a venous thrombosis when playing violin. Surgery with restoration of the normal anatomy alleviated the symptoms and six months later she was symptom free and playing violin again. TOS is a rare complication to clavicle fractures and the treating doctors should be aware of the diagnosis.

A review of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition in which anatomic abnormalities in the thoracic outlet cause compression of the subclavian or, less commonly, axillary artery. Patients are usually younger and typically have an anatomic abnormality causing the compression. The condition usually goes undiagnosed until patients present with signs of acute or chronic hand or arm ischemia. Workup of this condition includes a thorough history and physical examination; chest x-ray to identify potential anatomic abnormalities; and arterial imaging, such as computed tomographic angiography or duplex to identify arterial abnormalities. Patients will usually require operative intervention, given their symptomatic presentation. Intervention should always include decompression of the thoracic outlet with at least a first-rib resection and any other structures causing external compression. If the artery is identified to have intimal damage, mural thrombus, or is aneurysmal, then arterial reconstruction is warranted. Stenting should be avoided due to external compression. In patients with symptoms of embolization, a combination of embolectomy, lytic catheter placement, and/or therapeutic anticoagulation should be done. Typically, patients have excellent outcomes, with resolution of symptoms and high patency of the bypass graft, although patients with distal embolization may require finger amputation.

Management of thoracic outlet syndrome in patients with hemodialysis access.

Patients with threatened arteriovenous access are often found to have central venous stenoses at the ipsilateral costoclavicular junction, which may be resistant to endovascular intervention. Stenoses in this location may not resolve unless surgical decompression of thoracic outlet is performed to relieve the extrinsic compression on the subclavian vein. The authors reviewed the management of dialysis patients with central venous lesions at the thoracic outlet, as well as the role of surgical decompression with first-rib resection or claviculectomy for salvage of threatened, ipsilateral dialysis access.

Diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome in athletes.

The physical demands of sports can place patients at elevated risk of use-related pathologies, including thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Overhead athletes in particular (eg, baseball and football players, swimmers, divers, and weightlifters) often subject their subclavian vessels and brachial plexuses to repetitive trauma, resulting in venous effort thrombosis, arterial occlusions, brachial plexopathy, and more. This patient population is at higher risk for Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or effort thrombosis, although neurogenic TOS (nTOS) is still the predominant form of the disease among all groups. First-rib resection is almost always recommended for vascular TOS in a young, active population, although a surgical benefit for patients with nTOS is less clear. Practitioners specializing in upper extremity disorders should take care to differentiate TOS from other repetitive use-related disorders, including shoulder orthopedic injuries and nerve entrapments at other areas of the neck and arm, as TOS is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. For nTOS, physical therapy is a cornerstone of diagnosis, along with response to injections. Most patients first undergo some period of nonoperative management with intense physical therapy and training before proceeding with rib resection. It is particularly essential for ensuring that athletes can return to their baselines of flexibility, strength, and stamina in the upper extremity. Botulinum toxin and lidocaine injections in the anterior scalene muscle might predict which patients will likely benefit from first-rib resection. Athletes are usually satisfied with their decisions to undergo first-rib resection, although the risk of rare but potentially career- or life-threatening complications, such as brachial plexus injury or subclavian vessel injury, must be considered. Frequently, they are able to return to the same or a higher level of play after full recovery.

Modified transmanubrial approach for complicated type 1 cervical rib resection requiring subclavian artery reconstruction.

The transmanubrial musculoskeletal sparing approach (TMA) is commonly used for resecting apical lung tumours with vascular involvement. Non-neoplastic conditions which might require surgical exploration of the thoracic outlet include the 'cervical rib', a clinical condition consisting of an additional rib forming above the first rib and growing from the base of the neck just above the clavicle. Type 1 cervical rib-when a complete cervical rib articulates with the first rib or manubrium of the sternum-is the most challenging scenario where the subclavian artery can be damaged by continuous compression due to the narrow space between clavicle, first rib and supernumerary cervical rib, requiring prosthetic reconstruction of the involved tract. Here, we describe a modified TMA in which the incision in the neck is conducted posteriorly to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, thus allowing safe dissection of the superior and middle trunk of the brachial plexus.

Double Trouble: Combined Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and superior labrum anterior posterior tears are usually treated in a staged manner due to different post-operative therapy needs. This case describes successful combined surgery with expedited physical therapy.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by a Primary Tumour in the Brachial Plexus.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by a primary brachial plexus tumour is very rare. A male politician in his 40s presented with numbness, left limb pain and positive Wright and Roos test results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumour located just below the clavicle, compressing the subclavian artery during left arm elevation. Despite concerns regarding postoperative nerve deficits, surgery was performed because of worsening symptoms during the election campaigns. The pathology report revealed a schwannoma. Few reports have described TOS caused by primary tumours of the brachial plexus. While the decision to perform surgery for primary tumours of the brachial plexus requires careful consideration, surgery may be indicated in cases where the tumour location causes such symptoms. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Thoracic outlet syndrome in females: A systematic review.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare anatomic condition caused by compression of neurovascular structures as they traverse the thoracic outlet. Depending on the primary structure affected by this spatial narrowing, patients present with one of three types of TOS-venous TOS, arterial TOS, or neurogenic TOS. Compression of the subclavian vein, subclavian artery, or brachial plexus leads to a constellation of symptoms, including venous thrombosis, with associated discomfort and swelling; upper extremity ischemia; and chronic pain due to brachial plexopathy. Standard textbooks have reported a predominance of females patients in the TOS population, with females comprising 70%. However, there have been few comparative studies of sex differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes for the various types of TOS.

Safety and Efficacy of Posterior Upper Rib Excision and Decompression Technique for Surgical Treatment of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There are several approaches used for surgical treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (n-TOS). The posterior upper rib excision and decompression technique is a novel technique that was developed and used by the author for the past 8 years. The purpose of this paper is to report clinical outcomes of patients treated with this approach. METHODS: All patients with n-TOS operated by single surgeon from 2015 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical, radiologic, surgical, and postoperative data were collected and reported with emphasis on efficacy and complications. The surgical success was evaluated subjectively as excellent, good, fair, poor, and bad. Radiologic data were analyzed to assess the extent of accessory/first rib removal. RESULTS: Eighty procedures were performed in 61 patients with a mean follow-up of 1153 (87-3048) days. The majority (60.7%) of patients were women, with 39.3% being men. In 11 cases (18%) causative factor was bone abnormality. Two patients were previously operated at another centers (3.3%). Total mean subjective improvement rate was 91.5%. More than half (55) of the patients reported "excellent" (>75%) and 6 "good" improvements (50%-75%); no fair, poor, and worse outcomes were reported. Patients reporting "good" outcome had statistically significant shorter follow-ups than the "excellent" group (P < 0.001). Complications included pleural opening, Horner syndrome, and apical hematoma, none of which were permanent. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior upper rib excision and decompression approach provides excellent clinical outcomes in patients with n-TOS. It allows better intraoperative visualization and removal of the first rib and full decompression of the neurovascular bundle.

Robot-Assisted Retroauricular Anterior Scalenectomy for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Background: This study described the surgical technique of a robot-assisted retroauricular anterior scalenectomy and assessed clinical outcomes and complications for patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS). Methods: Between February 2014 and August 2016, 5 patients underwent robot-assisted retroauricular anterior scalenectomy using the da Vinci Xi system for nTOS. For clinical assessment, visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score, pinch and grip strength, and disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score were assessed to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes. Postoperative complications were also reviewed. Results: The VAS symptom, pinch and grip strength, and DASH scores improved 1 year after the operation. All patients were satisfied with the surgical scars. Temporary postoperative complications, which spontaneously resolved within 3 months, were noticed in 2 patients: one with vocal cord palsy and the other with upper brachial plexus palsy. Conclusions: The robot-assisted retroauricular anterior scalenectomy for patients with nTOS seems feasible and safe, providing satisfactory cosmetic results.

Efficacy and Safety of Supraclavicular Thoracic Outlet Decompression.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of a multidisciplinary treatment approach including supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression among patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). BACKGROUND: TOS is a challenging condition where controversy remains in diagnosis and treatment, primarily given a lack of data exploring various treatment approaches and associated patient outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent unilateral, supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression, or pectoralis minor tenotomy for neurogenic, venous, or arterial TOS were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Demography, use of preoperative botulinum toxin injection, and participation in multidisciplinary evaluation were measured. The primary endpoints were composite postoperative morbidity and symptomatic improvement compared with baseline. RESULTS: Among 2869 patients evaluated (2007-2021), 1032 underwent surgery, including 864 (83.7%) supraclavicular decompressions and 168 (16.3%) isolated pectoralis minor tenotomies. Predominant TOS subtypes among surgical patients were neurogenic (75.4%) and venous TOS (23.4%). Most patients (92.9%) with nTOS underwent preoperative botulinum toxin injection; 56.3% reported symptomatic improvement. Before surgical consultation, few patients reported participation in physical therapy (10.9%). The median time from first evaluation to surgery was 136 days (interquartile range: 55, 258). Among 864 patients who underwent supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression, complications occurred in 19.8%; the most common complication was chyle leak (8.3%). Four patients (0.4%) required revisional thoracic outlet decompression. At a median follow-up of 420 days (interquartile range: 150, 937) 93.3% reported symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSION: Based on low composite morbidity, need for very few revisional operations, and high rates of symptomatic improvement, a multidisciplinary treatment approach including primarily supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression is safe and effective for patients with TOS.

Prevalence and anatomy of the anomalous subclavius posticus muscle and its clinical implications with emphasis in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: Scoping review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The subclavius muscle runs underneath the clavicle. However, there have been a few reports of a duplicated subclavius muscle which is commonly referred to as subclavius posticus muscle due to its orientation being posterior to the proper subclavius muscle. Its occurrence seems to potentially create a narrowing interval at the superior thoracic aperture as it crosses over the brachial plexus. It might also have functional influence on the shoulder girdle. PURPOSE: To provide comprehensive gross anatomy description of the variant "subclavius posticus muscle" and to investigate its reported clinical implications with emphasis on its involvement in causing brachial plexus compression. BASIC PROCEDURES: A scoping review with meta-analysis of the gross anatomy of the subclavius posticus muscle was conducted along with investigating its correlation to the thoracic outlet syndrome. Forty-seven articles were pooled through two rounds of the selection process. The relevant information was extracted and meta-analyzed. MAIN FINDINGS: The scoping review and meta-analysis of the 47 articles revealed a total prevalence of 11/2069 (4.9%); 10/1369 (5.1%) in cadaveric studies, and 1/700 (5.0%) in MRI studies. The subclavius posticus muscle is a short triangular muscle with an average length of 12 cm and an average width of 1 cm. It originates from the sternal end of the first rib in most cases with reported variants of one case originating from the costoclavicular ligament and one case where it was fused with the proper subclavius muscle. Its insertion is more variable: on the superior border of the scapula with variable length in 71.35%, on the coracoid process of the scapula in 25.42%, and on the clavicle in 0.90%. The subclavian nerve seems to be the dominant nerve supply with a 57.6% prevalence, while 25.8% are innervated by the suprascapular nerve. Other reported nerves were the nerve to the myolohyoid (4.5%), accessory phrenic nerve (4.5%), and a direct branch from the brachial plexus (2.0%). The blood supply was reported (only once) to be from the suprascapular artery. However, the venous drainage was not established at all. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: The subclavius posticus muscle is a variant muscle occurring with a reported overall prevalence of 4.9%. It can compress the brachial plexus as it runs across at the space of the superior thoracic aperture with exquisite contact, and this can lead to a neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. It also can be involved in the vascular thoracic outlet syndrome. Lastly, it is important not to omit its potential influence in shoulder joint instability to some extent.

Delay in Diagnosis for Two Patients With McCleery Syndrome.

McCleery syndrome is a rare form of venous thoracic outlet syndrome characterized by intermittent obstruction of the subclavian vein (SCV) without thrombosis. In 2022, two patients presented to our clinic with McCleery syndrome after living with venous symptoms for over one year. Duplex scans of both patients revealed compression of the SCV on abduction. A first rib resection and anterior scalenectomy were performed to decompress the SCV. At two weeks post-op, a follow-up venogram revealed widely patent, unobstructed SCVs in both patients.

Thoracic outlet syndrome: a retrospective analysis of robotic assisted first rib resections.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is caused by compression of the neurovascular bundle between the first rib and the clavicula, which can cause a large panel of symptoms and has a reported incidence of approximately 2-4/100.000. Surgical treatment consists of the resection of the first rib and is historically performed using an open, mainly transaxillary, approach. Recent developments resulted in a minimally invasive approach using Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS). With this study, the investigators want to provide a descriptive study of first rib resection using RATS approach at two different centers. We reviewed the files of 47 patients affected by TOS and who benefited from first rib resection using RATS approach between 2016 and 2021. Patient characteristics as well as Length of Stay (LOS), affected side, operative time (OT), complications, etiology, VAS score and post-operative QOL were gathered in the database. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 25 ®. Results were reported in mean and standard deviation. 47 patients affected by TOS received first rib resection using robotic approach. Mean age was 47 ± 12 yrs. 16 patients were operated on the left side and 31 on the right side. All the patients reported complete resolution of symptoms. At 1-year follow-up, no patient suffered from recurrence. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients, one patient developed pneumothorax after chest tube removal and one patient developed recurrent pleural effusion which required surgery. Mean LOS was 3 ± 1 days and mean OT was 122 ± 40 min. First rib resection performed using a RATS approach is a safe technique with excellent outcomes and which is beneficial for the patient in terms of LOS, pain and symptom resolution.

The effects of major depression disorder on neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders caused by impingement of the neurovascular structures at the thoracic outlet. Neurogenic TOS (nTOS), which is thought to be caused by a compression of the brachial plexus, accounts for more than 90% of the cases. Although treatment for nTOS is successful through physiotherapy and/or surgical decompression, little is known about the impact of psychosocial factors, namely, major depressive disorder (MDD), on postoperative outcomes such as non-routine discharge (NRD). Here, we assess whether MDD predicts the type of discharge following nTOS surgical intervention. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database from the years 2005-2018 was performed. Using the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification, Ninth and Tenth revisions, patients who underwent a surgical intervention for nTOS were identified. Our primary outcome was to investigate the effects of MDD on nTOS patient disposition status after surgical management; secondary outcomes included analysis of total hospital charges and length of stay. NRD was defined as anything beyond discharge home without healthcare services. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess MDD and other potential independent predictors of NRD and prolonged hospital stay (> 2 days) following surgical intervention. RESULTS: A total of 6099 patients were identified: 596 (9.77%) patients with MDD and 5503 (90.23%) without MDD. On average, patients with MDD were older (39.6 ± 12.0 years vs. 36.0 ± 13.0 years; p < 0.001), female (80.7% vs. 63.5%; p < 0.001), white (89.6% vs. 85.6%; p = 0.030), and on Medicare (9.6% vs 5.2%; p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models identified MDD as an independent risk factor associated with a higher risk of NRD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.2). Additionally, chronic kidney disease (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.2-5.4), postoperative complications (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9), and Medicare (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.9-4.7) were statistically significant predictors for higher risk of NRD. However, MDD was not associated with prolonged hospital stay (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.8-1.2) or higher median of total charges (MDD group: $27,867 vs. non-MDD group: $28,123; p = 0.799). CONCLUSION: Comorbid MDD was strongly associated with higher NRD rates following nTOS surgical intervention. MDD had no significant impact on length of hospital stay or total hospital charges. Additional prospective research is necessary in order to better evaluate the impact of MDD in patients with nTOS.

Successful paraclavicular surgical decompression for recurrent venous thoracic outlet syndrome following transaxillary first rib resection in an elite athlete.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent effort thrombosis after prior surgical intervention for venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an uncommon problem, and there are multiple alternative surgical approaches in the management of recurrent venous TOS. METHODS: We present a case of a 23 year-old female professional athlete who presented with arm swelling, pain, and recurrent effort thrombosis after prior transaxillary rib resection. Imaging at our institution revealed subclavian vein thrombosis, confirmed with dynamic venography, as well as a remnant first rib. RESULTS: Thrombolysis of the subclavian vein and balloon angioplasty was followed by paraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression with complete first rib resection. Success was confirmed with intraoperative dynamic venography demonstrating a patent subclavian vein and resulted in complete elimination of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Additional surgical decompression with complete medial first rib resection of remnant rib, which was potentially causing compression of the subclavian vein, may be necessary to prevent recurrent venous compression and thrombosis for venous TOS.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in the overhead and throwing athlete: A narrative review.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is an important cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction due to compression of neurovascular structures as they traverse the thoracic outlet. Symptoms are most commonly due to compression of the brachial plexus called neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS). Throwing athletes are at increased risk of nTOS because of a variety of biomechanical factors. However, because nTOS symptoms are often nonspecific, delayed diagnosis is common. Neurogenic thoracic outlet largely remains a diagnosis of exclusion with advanced imaging ruling out vascular involvement and diagnostic injections gaining favor in helping localize sites of compression. Although rehabilitation alone may improve symptoms in some athletes, many require surgical treatment for long-term relief. This generally entails decompression of the thoracic outlet by some combination of muscle release, brachial plexus neurolysis, and first rib resection. Outcomes tend to be successful in athletes with most achieving resolution of symptoms and return to athletic activity. NTOS is an important cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in throwing athletes. The history and physical examination should focus on activities that exacerbate symptoms. Treatment of nTOS generally requires surgical intervention and allows throwing athletes to return to sport.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians trained in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use the tool to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the bedside, often excluding or diagnosing conditions that are suspected based on the history and physical examination. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of arteries and nerves between the clavicle and first rib causing pain and paresthesia in the affected limbs. To our knowledge, use of POCUS to diagnose TOS in the literature has not been described. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man presented with left upper extremity (LUE) edema, pain, and paresthesia, which was progressive over 3 weeks. Examination of the LUE revealed diffuse swelling without erythema and a left radial pulse present on Doppler only. A subsequent POCUS examination of the LUE was performed to exclude a deep vein thrombosis, and enlarged and turbulent veins distal to the internal jugular vein were found, which suggested venous compression external to the veins. Additional imaging confirmed narrowing of the subclavian vein and a diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) was made. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Failure to promptly diagnose and treat TOS can lead to long-term chronic upper extremity pain and even permanent disability. Diagnosis of vascular TOS is often made using computed tomography to identify impinged vessels, although color Doppler sonography can be an excellent choice for initial imaging in patients with suspected vTOS. Although POCUS is being used increasingly as a diagnostic tool and for procedural guidance, our case represents a novel application of POCUS in the diagnosis of vTOS.

Sleep Problems and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand in Persons with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) arises as a result of a specific relationship among the anatomical structures that may cause compression in the muscles, nerves, and/or blood vessels in the neck, thereby compromising the local circulation. The aim of the current study was to establish the presence of sleep disturbance and disability in the shoulder, arm, and hand in individuals affected by TOS, as well as to ascertain if there are any differences in these findings relative to TOS-free individuals. The study sample comprised 82 TOS patients and 81 TOS-free individuals aged 19-66 years. Data were gathered by administering the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instruments. The results showed that both the DASH (t = -13.21, p < 0.001) and PSQI (t = -7.27, p < 0.001) scores obtained by the TOS group were higher relative to the controls and were strongly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.01). As positive DASH scores may be indicative of TOS, they signal the need for further diagnostic evaluations. In individuals in whom TOS is already diagnosed, high DASH scores imply that further sleep quality assessments are required, as compromised sleep patterns may undermine quality of life.