Description:
Past Medical History:
Classification:
- A broad definition of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a symptom complex characterized by pain, paresthesia, weakness and discomfort in the upper limb which is aggravated by elevation of the arms or by exaggerated movements of the head and neck 3.
- 8% of the population
- Rare in children
- Affects females more than males 5
Past Medical History:
- History of associated back pain may be the only significant past medical history 2.
- Presence of anatomic anomalies such as an extra rib or unusual sternoclavicular and/or acromioclavicular angle may be the only known history linked to the development of TOS 2.
- A detailed history should include the past history of prior traumatic insult to the surrounding neck, shoulder and arm areas that may indicate co-existence of cervical, glenohumeral (especially instability), acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint pathology that may confound, confuse or contribute to the clinical presentation 1.
- Loss or gain of weight or muscle mass (especially scalenes or pectoralis minor region) should be noted as should a history of use of growth hormone or steroids 4.
Classification:
- Neural TOS
- Vascular TOS (can further be classified as arterial or venous)