THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

MANAGEMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENTS–TRUE PICTURE

Abstract

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome represents a variety of symptoms ranging
from neurogenic to vascular. The thoracic outlet syndrome considered as a disputed disorder
and management and diagnosis need special attention. Objective: The present study was
done with the objective was to observe association of thoracic outlet syndrome with cervical rib
and the treatment and diagnosis options given to the patients once they present in the OPD.
Study Design: Observational. Sampling: Convenience. Duration: January 2015-2017 January.
Materials and methods: In this study the cervical rib was present in 3 males out of 58 cases.
In females 8 had cervical rib out of 150 cases. Results: Out of eleven patients only six were
advised surgical excision to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Analgesics were also
prescribed to all patients. The second category who did not have cervical rib nerve conduction
studies were advised to only 12 males and 10 females. In our study patients presenting with
numbness or and any vascular complaint only 11 cases had cervical rib. The treatment advised
for relieving symptoms was surgical in only six patients and analgesics in all cases. The
treatment for patients without cervical rib was analgesics and nerve conduction was advised
only in 22 patients. Conclusion: The diagnosis and management of TOS is a combination of
neurophysiological testing and clinical examination outcomes. The use of advanced techniques
can lead to better patient management in our hospitals.