Overview:
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when nerves, arteries, or veins are compressed in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. This condition can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and swelling in the upper extremities. It may result from congenital factors, repetitive activities, or trauma.
Symptoms:
- Chronic shooting pain down the arm or Paresthesia (pins and needles)
- Headaches, neck pain, and stiffness
- Arm weakness in certain positions
- Muscle atrophy
- Sudden arm swelling, especially after vigorous activities like rowing or weightlifting
Treatments & Procedures:
At UTMB, our multidisciplinary team, including experts from thoracic surgery and vascular surgery, provides timely, comprehensive care to improve arm function and reduce pain. Many surgeries are performed in the minimally invasive way, facilitating patient recovery and return to normal activities.
Surgical options might include:
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations with surgical specialists
- First rib resection
- Scalenectomy (removal of scalene muscles)
- Decompression of the brachial plexus
- Transaxillary approach for thoracic outlet decompression
- Supraclavicular approach for thoracic outlet decompression
- Venous or arterial reconstruction (for vascular thoracic outlet syndrome)
- Balloon angioplasty (for vascular compression)
- Neurolysis of compressed nerves
- Surgical correction of cervical rib anomalies (if present)