Microsurgical treatment for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome

Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of microsurgical treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS).Methods Microsurgical procedures were performed in seven patients with TOS from January 2012 to March 2013.There were upper trunk TOS in 1 case,lower trunk in 5 and vascular type TOS in 1.The findings of X-ray showed prolonged transverse process of 7th cervical vertebrae in 2 cases and cervical rib in 1.The resection of cervical rib and scalene muscles (including anterior,middle and minimal scalene muscles) were performed in 7 cases and neurolysis of brachial plexus in 3.Results The follow-up for 6-14 months (mean 9.5 months) suggested the excellent improvement of symptoms in 4 cases,part of syndrome residual in 2 and mild remission in 1.Conclusions Microsurgical decompression and neurolysis of brachial plexus was an effective method for patients with TOS. Key words: Thoracic outlet syndrome;  Scalenectomy;  Brachial plexus neurolysis; Microsurgery