What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

It is a disorder caused by the compression of the neurovascular structures located in the thoracic opening, specifically between the clavicle and the first rib, causing pain, a tingling sensation, and numbness.

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs more regularly in women between 25 and 45 years old. Although the exact cause is unknown, there are a series of conditions that can favor its appearance, such as:

Congenital anomalies.
Pregnancy.
Bad posture.
Pressure on the joints.
Trauma.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is classified into three types:

Arterial: occurs when one of the arteries below the collarbone is compressed, causing an aneurysm.
Neurological: it is the most common. The brachial plexus is compressed, affecting muscle dynamics and sensitivity in the limbs.
Vascular: occurs when the veins located in the lower clavicular area become compressed, which can cause blood clots.

Signs and symptoms Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Cyanosis in fingers or hand.
Blood clots in the veins or arteries.
Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.
Weakness in the arm.
Tingling or numbness of arms and/or fingers.
Swollen arm.
Pale skin.
Weak pulse or no pulse in the affected arm.
Lack of strength in the hand and arm.

Diagnosis and treatment Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

It is complex to diagnose this disorder because the symptoms vary in each person, so after analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, the doctor will perform a physical examination to assess whether there are obvious external signs and will request a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

Arteriography and venography.
Ultrasound.
Electromyography.
X-rays.
MRI.
Computed tomography.

The goal of treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome is pain management through physical therapy, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories. In more extreme cases, surgery may be required.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

neurology.com
traumatologiamadrid.es
topdoctors.mx
medlineplus.gov
msdmanuals.com
middlesexhealth.org
elsevier.com
mayoclinic.org
medigraphic.com
González-Echeverria KE, Esqueda-Liquidano MA, Ariñez-Barahona E, et al. Cambios del dolor neuropático en dos pacientes con síndrome de salida torácica debido a costilla cervical accesoria. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2018;19(2):39-48.
Lemus-Ramírez RI, Ramos-Hernández A, Díaz-Plauchud CA, et al. Manejo quirúrgico para el síndrome de salida de tórax: experiencia a cinco años. Med Sur. 2016;23(1):38-42.
Pérez BMLI, Montes CML, Flores GR, et al. Síndrome de dolor miofascial cervical asociado a síndrome de salida torácica, un síntoma más en la cervicalgia. Rev Mex Med Fis Rehab. 2009;21(3):90-94.

How can we help you?

The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.

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Comparison of COVID-19 vaccines

Pfizer-
BioNTech

Pfizer-BioNTech

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vaccine type: mRNA
Effectiveness: 95% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

No Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 21 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

Who should or shouldn’t get the vaccine?
People who should receive the vaccine are those over 16 years old.
People who should not receive the vaccine are those who have a history of anaphylactic shock (severe allergy) or who are allergic to any component of this vaccine such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes.

How long will it take for me to be protected and what does it protect me from?
After 14 days of having the complete scheme (after the administration of the 2nd dose), the protection period is still under study. It protects us from serious COVID-19 or requiring hospitalization.

Moderna

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vaccine type: mRNA
Effectiveness: 94.5% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 28 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

Who should or shouldn’t get the vaccine?
People who should receive the vaccine are those over 18 years old.
People who should not receive the vaccine are those who have a history of anaphylactic shock (severe allergy) or who are allergic to any component of this vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes in the arm in which you received the injection.

Janssen/
Johnson
& Johnson

Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 72.0% in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.
85% in the prevention of severe COVID-19.

Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives./strong>

How many doses are needed?
Only one dose in needed.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.

How long will it take for me to be protected and what does it protect me from?
After 28 days of having the complete scheme (the last dose applied), the protection period is still under study. It protects us from 85% serious COVID-19 or requiring hospitalization.

AstraZeneca
and
Oxford
University

AstraZeneca and Oxford University

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Adenovirus vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 82% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 56 days apart (or up to 84 days apart, if necessary).

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and fever, which were mild to moderate in intensity and disappeared within 48 hours of vaccination.

Sputnik V

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Adenovirus vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 92% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 21 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Signs and symptoms Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Diagnosis and treatment Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Related centers and departments

Fuentes:

Index

Specialist in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome