Thoracic outlet syndrome: wide literature for few cases. Status of the art

Despite its low prevalence and incidence, considerable debate exists in the literature on thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). From literature analysis on nerve entrapments, we realized that TOS is the second most commonly published entrapment syndrome in the literature (after carpal tunnel syndrome) and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neurological sciences 2017-03, Vol.38 (3), p.383-388
Main Authors: Doneddu, Pietro Emiliano, Coraci, Daniele, De Franco, Paola, Paolasso, Ilaria, Caliandro, Pietro, Padua, Luca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neurology
Neuroradiology
Neurosciences
Neurosurgery
Psychiatry
Review Article
Systematic review
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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Summary:Despite its low prevalence and incidence, considerable debate exists in the literature on thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). From literature analysis on nerve entrapments, we realized that TOS is the second most commonly published entrapment syndrome in the literature (after carpal tunnel syndrome) and that it is even more reported than ulnar neuropathy at elbow, which, instead, is very frequent. Despite the large amount of articles, there is still controversy regarding its classification, clinical picture, diagnostic objective findings, diagnostic modalities, therapeutical strategies and outcomes. While some experts believe that TOS is underrated, overlooked and very frequent, others even doubt its existence as a nosological entity. In the attempt to shed more light on this condition, we performed a systematic review of the literature and report evidence and opinions around this controversial subject. Only articles focused on neurogenic TOS were considered. Understanding the status of the art and the underlying reasons of doubts and weaknesses could help clinical practice and set the stage for future research.
ISSN:1590-1874
1590-3478
DOI:10.1007/s10072-016-2794-4