Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

MedStar Health has a comprehensive and effective approach to treating thoracic outlet syndrome.

Relieving the pressure at MedStar Health

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves pinching and compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. The doctors in our Vascular and Endovascular Program are recognized leaders in treating patients with disorders such as this, and we’re on the forefront of the most advanced treatment techniques available.

TOS can cause swelling, discoloration, weakness, numbness, or pain in the shoulder, arm, and fingers. Sports that involve repeated shoulder movement, such as baseball or swimming, may increase your risk. You may also be at risk due to an injury to your back or neck, poor posture, or defects present from birth.

There are various types of TOS, including axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to serious problems, including death of tissue (gangrene), blood clots, or a pulmonary embolism.

Causes

Thoracic outlet syndrome can be a result of an extra rib (cervical rib), an accessory (extra) muscle, or scar tissue from trauma, fracture of the clavicle (collarbone), or repetitive use that reduces the space for the vessels and nerves.

In addition, these factors may increase your chances of developing thoracic outlet syndrome:

Congenital abnormalities or birth defects, resulting in bony and soft tissue abnormalities
Repetitive activities that can result in injuries from overuse (i.e., assembly line work, typing, overhead reaching, carrying heavy shoulder loads, etc.)
Injury to the neck or back (i.e., whiplash injury or overstretching)
Sleep disorders
Tumors or large lymph nodes in the upper chest or underarm area
Stress or depression
Participating in sports that involve repetitive arm or shoulder movement, such as baseball, swimming, golfing, and volleyball
Poor posture
Weightlifting
Motor vehicle crashes

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome are:

Numbness and tingling of the fingers or in the arm
Pain in the shoulders, neck, and arms
Pain around the collarbone region
Impaired circulation to the affected areas
Muscle spasms in the scapular area or upper back, the area between the base of the neck and the shoulders
Wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb (Gilliatt–Sumner hand)
Weakness of the arm and hand with weakening of hand grip on the affected side
Symptoms become worse with repetitive or overhead activities
Swelling of the affected arm
Blue or discolored fingers
Bulging or pulsating mass below the collarbone

Diagnosis

Depending on the type of thoracic outlet syndrome, our approach can be to recommend a combination of physical therapy, medication, and when appropriate, weight loss, as a first line of defense before surgery.

For patients who do not find relief from this approach, surgery may be the answer. Patients who receive surgery usually have excellent results. In cases of arterial and venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), surgery is the standard of care.

The first and most important step is getting a good diagnosis. Common diagnostic tests and procedures can include:

Physical exam looking for signs of TOS
Nerve conduction studies to evaluate the function of the motor and sensory nerves
Vascular studies of the arteries or veins
Chest X-ray to rule out cervical rib abnormalities
Cervical spine X-rays to rule out a cervical rib (extra rib) or cervical spine (neck) abnormalities
Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest
CT scan or MRI of the spine to rule out cervical spine impingement or pressure, which can mimic neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Magnetic resonance imaging with angiography (MRA) to view blood vessels
Angiogram/venogram, an X-ray that is taken as a special dye is injected to look at blood flow
Blood tests

Why choose us for your thoracic care?

A strong team

We have assembled the region’s largest team of fellowship-trained thoracic surgeons who provide treatment for the full array of benign and malignant lung, esophageal, and general thoracic diseases in adolescent and adults.

Delivering tailored care

Our multidisciplinary care team provides an expanse of consultative, diagnostic, and surgical treatments and knowing when to employ those techniques enables our patients to have highly individualized treatment plans and excellent outcomes.

Leaders in innovative technologies

We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of thoracic operative technology including robotic surgery while maintaining the expertise and capability of traditional surgery.

Conditions

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS)

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS)

Tracheobronchial malacia

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS)

Treatments

Physical therapy and medications may help relieve your symptoms and reduce your risk of a dangerous blood clot. If these approaches aren’t enough, you may need a surgical procedure called thoracic outlet decompression.

Pharmacy

Primary Care

Thoracic Outlet Decompression

Thoracic Surgery Treatments

Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Program

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.

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