Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions

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Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including [[angioplasty]].
Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including [[angioplasty]].


==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome==
==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?==
[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]
[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]


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)==
==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.
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.



Revision as of 18:50, 6 August 2011

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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

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