Thoracic outlet syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the etiopathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). In 80% of the treated cases, patients suffered from pain in their compressed shoulder plexus. Both conservative treatment and systematic rehabilitation therapy are successful and lessen the above symptoms, which leads to regression of the above symptoms from the side of the shoulder plexus. Herewith are presented some considerations on early diagnosis and treatment of a vascular form of thoracic outlet syndrome. The emphasis has been put on the long-term results of the operation treatment. The case has been presented that when TOS appears together with recurrent vascular complications, conditions develop which may result in the loss of a limb or lead to invalidism. The only possible treatment in such a case appears to be resection of the first rib providing there is no incorrect anatomy in the area of the shoulder girdle. In case of acute thrombosis, endovascular treatment is applied together with operative procedure of decompression. Such treatment and therapy make it possible for the patients to make a full and speedy recovery from their illness.