Thoracic outlet syndrome is a syndrome caused by compression of arteries, veins, and nerves below clavicle bone. Mild cases may feel slight pain at neck, shoulder or back. Severe cases have hand numbness, hand weakness, arm coldness, and weak pulse. If patient's symptoms are mild and there is no sign of nerve damage, physical therapy and pain relief measures are usually taken. If symptoms do not improve or even aggravate after these treatment, or for patients with nerve compression symptoms, blood vessel compression symptoms or nerve irritation symptoms, surgery should be used. Commonly used surgeries include supraclavicular scalene excision and resection of the first armpit rib.
How is Thoracic outlet syndrome treated in practice?