Thoracic outlet

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.

Causes

Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome can vary, depending on which vessels or nerves are compressed. They can include:

• Pain in your shoulder, neck or arm
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers
• Weak grip
• Fatigue in your arm

Diagnosis

Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome can be difficult because the symptoms and their severity can vary greatly among people with the disorder. To diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor may review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical examination.

Treatment

Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. Most people improve with these approaches. In some cases, however, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Etymology

The term "thoracic" refers to the chest, and "outlet" refers to the exit path for nerves and blood vessels from the neck to the arm. The syndrome is named for the area (the thoracic outlet) where this compression occurs.

Related Terms

• Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: This form of thoracic outlet syndrome is characterized by compression of the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that come from your spinal cord and control muscle movements and sensation in your shoulder, arm and hand.
• Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome: This form of thoracic outlet syndrome is characterized by compression of one or more veins or arteries in the thoracic outlet.

Thoracic outlet Resources
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