Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)

Running head : THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS ) is a condition wherein the surrounding neurovascular tissues or the tissues itself of the thoracic outlet are injured , compressed , or irritated (Chang Bohan , 2009 . The surrounding structures may involve the base of the neck , in between the clavicle and the first rib , and the muscles under the shoulder and upper part of the chest . Specifically , the thoracic outlet is located within the bs of the first rib , spine , clavicles , and manubrium

. Hence any insult to the anatomical structures that directly line or lie within these neurovascular tissues may result to thoracic outlet syndrome Patients usually develop TOS due to frequent poor positioning of the neck muscles for an extended period of time and innate anatomical abnormalities such as malformed ribs . TOS is common among people who work as secretaries and cashiers or occupations that involve major lifting of heavy equipments hence the need for routine referral (Chang Bohan , 2009 . Women ages 30 to 55 years are commonly found to have thoracic outlet syndrome (Lohr , 2001

There are three types of TOS namely the true neurogenic TOS , arterial or venous (vascular ) TOS , and disputed TOS (Lohr , 2001 Chang Bohan 2009 . When the nerves in the brachial plexus become compressed , this results to true neurogenic TOS . On the other hand , when the major artery that leads to the arm becomes compressed , this results to arterial or vascular TOS . Meanwhile , the last type of TOS...