The asymptomatic thoracic outlet compression syndrome

The thoracic outlet compression syndrome has a great number of clinical variations. Arterial and venous perfusion impairment is an associated symptom, nerve irritation can occur with or without vascular problems. The degree of nerve damage ranges from transient irritation to permanent motoric and sensory defects. The lack of space in the supracostoclavicular compartment is the cause for nerve compression. The degree of neural damage depends on the degree and duration of the compression. Anatomic variations between the clavicle and first rib are frequent causes for the TOS: accessory ribs and muscles, and fibrous bands have been described. A preexisting chronic compression may lead to a subclinical TOS, in this case an inadequate trauma of minor degree may be sufficient to manifest a plexus palsy. Intraoperative findings in children with incomplete and complete brachial plexus palsy and the corresponding findings in adults prompted us to present this communication.