[Thoracic outlet syndrome].
Careful clinical evaluation is the most important diagnostic tool for proper identification of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS can be classified in hightly probable TOS (neurogenical, arterial, neuro-arterial, venous clear types) and in non-specific or disputed TOS which are the vast majority (including neurological compressions of subjective expression). Bony compressions, visible on X-ray pictures, are rare but can cause severe damages. More often than not, the underlying mechanism is a disorder or a weakness of the vertebro-scapular statics. The treatment is conservative including physical therapy and self-exercice of the whole vertebral and vertebro-scapular system first. Surgery is considered in case of arterial complications, of overt clinical bony compressions and in case of well performed physical therapy failure.
Becker
F
F
Division d'angiologie et d'hémostase, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14. francois.becker@wanadoo.fr
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy