title: Exercise-induced scalenus syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thoracic outlet syndrome is described as a group of distinct disorders producing signs and symptoms attributed to compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet region.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the exercise-induced scalenus anticus syndrome attributed to the anterior scalenus hypertrophy as a thoracic outlet syndrome underlying mechanism and to give recommendations for a safe and effective surgical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve young professional athletes admitted for thoracic outlet syndrome (8 cases of neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome, 4 cases of mixed neurologic and vascular thoracic outlet syndrome) who reported numbness, tingling, early fatigue, muscle weakness, and pain were enrolled in the study. Scalenus hypertrophy was suspected to be the causative factor. Scalenectomy was performed in all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients had moderate to severe hypertrophy of the anterior scalenus muscle. Scalenectomy was performed, and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Full activity was quickly achieved, and no recurrence of symptoms was documented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical intervention for scalenus anticus syndrome can allow an athlete to return to full activity and improve quality of life. Surgical intervention seems to be the treatment of choice in terms of restoring quality of life and physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Functional Anatomy and Sports Medicine, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baltopoulos
authors.forename: Charalampos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tsintzos
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Prionas
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsironi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome