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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Thoracic outlet syndrome|here]]'''
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Thoracic outlet syndrome|here]]'''


{{SI}}
{{Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)}}


'''Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer
{{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer


{{EJ}}
==Overview==
[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] is a combination of [[pain]] in the [[neck]] and  [[shoulder]], [[numbness]]  and [[tingling]]  of the [[fingers]], and a weak grip. The [[thoracic outlet]] is the area  between the [[rib cage]] and [[collar bone]].
 
==What are the symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
Symptoms of [[thoracic outlet syndrome]] may include:
*[[Pain]], [[numbness]], and [[tingling]] in the last three [[fingers]] and 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]]
*[[Weakness]] of the [[muscles]] in the [[hand]]
 
==What causes Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] is a rare [[condition]].
 
[[Blood vessels]] and [[nerves]] coming from the [[spine]] or major [[blood vessels]]  of the body pass through a narrow space near the [[shoulder]] and [[armpit]] on  their way to the arms. As they pass by or through the [[collarbone]]  ([[clavicle]]) and upper [[ribs]], they may not have enough space. [[Pressure]] (compression) on these [[blood vessels]] or [[nerves]] can cause symptoms in the arms or [[hands]]. Problems with the [[nerves]] account for almost all cases of  [[thoracic outlet syndrome]].
 
Compression can be caused by an extra [[cervical rib]] (above the [[first  rib]]) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to  the [[rib]]. Patients often have a history of [[injury]] to the area or overuse  of the [[shoulder]].
 
==Who is at highest risk?==
People with long necks and droopy [[shoulders]] may be more likely to  develop  this [[condition]]  because of extra pressure on their [[nerves]] and  [[blood vessels]].
 
==Diagnosis==
When you lift something, the arm may appear pale due to pressure on  the [[blood vessels]]. Rarely, the arm may be smaller on the side of the  symptoms. This is often present since birth (a [[congenital anomaly]]).


==What is Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
The [[diagnosis]] is typically made after the doctor takes a careful  history and performs a [[physical examination]]. Sometimes tests are done to  confirm the [[diagnosis]], including the following:
[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] is a combination of [[pain]] in the [[neck]] and  [[shoulder]], [[numbness]] and [[tingling]]  of the [[fingers]], and a weak grip. The [[thoracic outlet]] is the area between the [[rib cage]] and [[collar bone]].
 
*[[Electromyography]]([[EMG]])
 
*[[MRI]]
 
*[[Nerve conduction velocity]] study
 
*[[X-ray]]
 
Tests should also be performed to make sure there are no other problems, such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]] or a damaged [[nerve]] due to problems in the [[cervical]] ([[neck]]) [[spine]].


==What are the symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
==Treatment options==
[[Physical therapy]] helps strengthen the [[shoulder]] [[muscles]], improve range  of motion, and promote better [[posture]]. [[Treatment]] may also include [[pain  medication]].


==What causes Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
[[Surgery]] may be recommended if [[physical therapy]] and changes in  activity do not improve your symptoms. Types of procedures that might be  performed include:


==How do I know I have Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
*An extra [[rib]] is removed and certain [[muscles]] are cut.


==When to seek urgent medical care==
*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.


==Prevention of Thoracic outlet syndrome==
Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including [[angioplasty]].


==Treatment options==
==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Thoracic outlet syndrome}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome]


==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome==
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Thoracic outlet syndrome}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome]
Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are  selected carefully. [[Surgery]] can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using [[physical therapy]] are helpful for many  patients.


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)==
==Possible complications==  
[[Complications]] can occur with any [[surgery]] and relate to the type of  procedure and [[anesthesia]]  used.


==Possible complications==
Damage to [[nerves]] or [[blood vessels]] may occur during [[surgery]]. This  could lead to [[weakness]] of the [[arm]] [[muscles]], or [[weakness]] of the [[muscles]]  that help control the [[diaphragm]] when you [[breathe]].


==Sources==
==Sources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001434.htm


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[[Category:Patient Information]]
[[Cateogry:Cardiology patient information]]
 
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Mature chapter]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology patient information]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Template complete]]

Latest revision as of 22:57, 9 December 2011

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Thoracic outlet syndrome On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Thoracic outlet syndrome

Videos on Thoracic outlet syndrome

FDA on Thoracic outlet syndrome

CDC on Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome in the news

Blogs on Thoracic outlet syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Thoracic outlet syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a combination of pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness and tingling of the fingers, and a weak grip. The thoracic outlet is the area between the rib cage and collar bone.

What are the symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome?

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may include:

What causes Thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare condition.

Blood vessels and nerves coming from the spine or major blood vessels of the body pass through a narrow space near the shoulder and armpit on their way to the arms. As they pass by or through the collarbone (clavicle) and upper ribs, they may not have enough space. Pressure (compression) on these blood vessels or nerves can cause symptoms in the arms or hands. Problems with the nerves account for almost all cases of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Compression can be caused by an extra cervical rib (above the first rib) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the rib. Patients often have a history of injury to the area or overuse of the shoulder.

Who is at highest risk?

People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be more likely to develop this condition because of extra pressure on their nerves and blood vessels.

Diagnosis

When you lift something, the arm may appear pale due to pressure on the blood vessels. Rarely, the arm may be smaller on the side of the symptoms. This is often present since birth (a congenital anomaly).

The diagnosis is typically made after the doctor takes a careful history and performs a physical examination. Sometimes tests are done to confirm the diagnosis, including the following:

Tests should also be performed to make sure there are no other problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a damaged nerve due to problems in the cervical (neck) spine.

Treatment options

Physical therapy helps strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and promote better posture. Treatment may also include pain medication.

Surgery may be recommended if physical therapy and changes in activity do not improve your symptoms. Types of procedures that might be performed include:

  • 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 doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including angioplasty.

Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are selected carefully. Surgery can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using physical therapy are helpful for many patients.

Possible complications

Complications can occur with any surgery and relate to the type of procedure and anesthesia used.

Damage to nerves or blood vessels may occur during surgery. This could lead to weakness of the arm muscles, or weakness of the muscles that help control the diaphragm when you breathe.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001434.htm

Template:WH Template:WS Cateogry:Cardiology patient information