Thoracic outlet syndrome is a broad term encapsulating three distinct, but interrelated conditions.
These conditions include:
- Arterial compression
- Venous compression
- Neurogenic compression
Underlying triggers / causes:
- Neurogenic TOS– hyperextension neck trauma, for example whiplash, or repetitive stress injury
- Venous TOS– repetitive arm activities (throwing, swimming, arms overhead) in patients with congenital anomalies of costoclavicular space
- Arterial TOS– congenital anomalies of costoclavicular space – patients may have an extra “cervical” rib, or may have an unusual 1st rib, muscle strap or insertion, or deformed clavicle. This can lead to subclavian artery injury (aneurysm or stenosis).