Thoracic outlet syndrome.
Success in conservative management depends upon an accurate assessment and development of a treatment plan relative to the irritability of the patient's condition. Postural correction and avoidance of irritating positions must begin early in the rehabilitation phase to retrain the patient in symptom-reducing postures. Treatment addressing only the neurovascular structures may produce temporary relief of symptoms, but postural correction cannot be maintained without correction of the associated muscle imbalance in the cervicoscapular region. Long-term success of conservative management depends on patient compliance to a home exercise program and behavior modification at home and at work. Surgical decompression should be reserved for patients who fail to improve with conservative management.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, Suite 17424, East Pavilion, One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. novakc@msnotes.wustl.edu
Christine B
CB
Novak
D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010808:Physical Examination; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy