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OrthoVellum

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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Nerve Compression

A 32-year-old female swimmer presents with right arm pain, numbness in the ring and small fingers, and hand weakness that worsens with overhead activities. She occasionally notices arm coldness and color changes. Examination reveals tenderness in the supraclavicular fossa, positive Adson and Roos tests, and mild intrinsic hand weakness. Cervical radiographs show bilateral cervical ribs. Regarding thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS):

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Thoracic outlet syndrome involves compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels in th...

B

Causes include cervical ribs (present in less than 1% of population, but 5-10% develop TOS), anomalo...

C

Vascular TOS is most common at 95%; the anterior scalene muscle is posterior to the brachial plexus;...

D

Clinical tests include Adson test (pulse diminution with head turned to affected side and deep inspi...

E

Conservative treatment (physical therapy, postural correction, avoiding aggravating activities) is f...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option