Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
Line 73: Line 73:
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology patient information]]
[[Category:Neurology patient information]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular disease]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Cateogry:Cardiology patient information]]
[[Cateogry:Cardiology patient information]]
[[Category:Syndromes]
[[Category:Syndromes]
[[Category:Disease state]]

Revision as of 05:20, 1 August 2011

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

WikiDoc Resources for Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Articles

Most recent articles on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Most cited articles on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Review articles on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Articles on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Images of Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Photos of Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Podcasts & MP3s on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Videos on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Bandolier on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

TRIP on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Clinical Trials on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

NICE Guidance on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

CDC on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Books

Books on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

News

Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) in the news

Be alerted to news on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

News trends on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Commentary

Blogs on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Definitions

Definitions of Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Discussion groups on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Patient Handouts on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Risk calculators and risk factors for Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Causes & Risk Factors for Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Diagnostic studies for Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Treatment of Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

International

Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) en Espanol

Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) en Francais

Business

Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information) in the Marketplace

Patents on Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)

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:SIB Template:WH Template:WS Cateogry:Cardiology patient information [[Category:Syndromes]