Physicians frequently face the common and challenging clinical problem of the patient with neck, shoulder, and arm pain. The problem lies in differentiating between cervical spine, musculoskeletal, and neurologic etiologies. The differential diagnosis is often confounded by superimposed psychosocial and emotional issues when the patient has been previously seen by multiple physicians and caregivers without resolution of their complaints.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most confusing etiologies in this group of patients, and is much more common than previously recognized. In the past, the pathophysiology, diagnosis and true extent of TOS have generated considerable controversy. Today, there are many prestigious university medical centers and many esteemed researchers who have clarified this controversy, and who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.
This white paper explores the controversy of TOS, the anatomy and pathophysiology of TOS, the diagnostic challenges in patients with TOS, the treatment options in patients with TOS, and the use of new MRI technologies in the diagnosis of TOS.