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Thoracic outlet syndrome

Definition

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.

Causes

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

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

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history and symptoms.

The following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis:

• Electromyography (EMG)

• CT angiogram

• MRI

• Nerve conduction velocity study

• X-ray

Tests are also done to check for other problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a damaged nerve due to problems in the neck.

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

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

References

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.

Review Date: 10/9/2024

Reviewed 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.