• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

The term of TOS(thoracic outlet syndrome) is used to describe patients with compressed subclavian artery, subclavian vein, and the brachial plexus in the region of the thoracic outlet. The objective of this study was to evaluate a conservative physical therapy that aims to restore normal function to the upper aperture in patients with TOS. The efficacy of this study which is conservative physical therapy, was assessed by pain, grip power, pinch grip, and satisfaction level of patients. The results were as follow; 1. Pain(VAS) was statistically significant with Group 1 and Group 2(P<0.05), and Group 2 was more statistically significant than Group 1(P<0.05). 2. Spherical grip was statistically significant with Group 1 and Group 2(P<0.05), and Group 2 was more statistically significant than Group 1(P<0.05). 3. Pinch grip was statistically significant with group 1 and Group 2(P<0.05), and Group 2 was more statistical significance than Group 1(P<0.05). 4. Satisfaction level was statistically significant with group 1 and Group 2(P<0.05), and Group 2 was more statistically significant than Group 1(P<0.05).

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.563-566
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• 1988

Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to compression of the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus at the superior aperture of the thorax. it was previously designated according to presumable etiologies such as scalenus anticus, costoclavicular, hyperabduction, cervical rib and first thoracic rib syndromes. We experienced a case of thoracic outlet syndrome[costoclavicular syndrome] which was caused by posttraumatic left clavicular fracture. Patient had suffered from swelling and cyanosis of left forearm and hand. preoperative vascular doppler test, angiography and venography were performed. First rib resection was done with transaxillary approach. After operation preoperative cyanosis and swelling of left forearm and hand were disappeared. Postoperative course was uneventful.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1443-1448
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• 2001

The authors report a case of thoracic outlet syndrome in left side. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a collective term in which symptoms and signs are due to bony and soft tissue compression of the neurovascular bundle at the thoracic outlet. It is a rare case in neurosurgical field. So we had experienced one case of thoracic outlet syndrome which was improved by transaxillary approach for resection of first rib. The clinical features, diagnostic test, radiological findings, and operative technique are presented with review of literatures.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1497-1501
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• 1992

Acute arterial thromboembolism of the upper extremity associated with the thoracic outlet syndrome differs in many ways from a cardiogenic embolism, particularly in its pathophysiology and management. The neurovascular manifestations have been attributed to a number of separate entities, the main ones being the cervical rib, scalenus anticus, costoclavicular, and hyperabduction syndromes. Recently we experienced a case of acute subclavian artery thromboembolism due to thoracic outlet syndrome and achieved excellent results by surgical treatment. During 3-month follow up periods there was no evidence of recurrence or complications.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 1997

The PT program provides relief to most patients with symptom of TOS. So the purpose of our study is to evaluate a effects of PT program in patients with TOS. PT program included orthopaedic manual therapy with the aim of restoring the function of the upper thoracic aperture is to be recommended, and long-term following is advisable. 1. Mean treatment duration was over an 11.4 day(range 4~24). 2. At the follow-up evaluation, 88.1% of the patients were satisfied with the effects of their therapy. 3. 73% of the patients returened to work after PT and 88% of the patients carried through the recommendations given at discharge during follow up. 4. Normalized grip strength and Tinel' sign predicted patient satisfaction(p< .001) and return to work(p< .001). 5. Return to work was more often successful if the work was sedentary rather than heavy (p< .05).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2014

Objectives : There are few reports on treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome in the field of traditional Korean medicine. The aim of this study is to report a case of a 29-year-old male patient diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, whose symptoms were relieved after 3-week integrated Korean medical treatment. Methods : A patient diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome was admitted into the Korean medicine hospital. The patient had left shoulder pain and left arm numbness. The pain was worse if it had become cold. The patient was treated using Sa-am acupuncture(Daejangseunggyeok), sweet bee venom acupuncture, herbal medicine and other treatment including physical therapy from September 7th to 27th of 2012. Improvement of the patient's symptoms was evaluated by verbal numerical rating scale(VNRS), skin surface temperature difference between the left and right symmetric part of digital infrared thermographic image(DITI). Results : After 3-weeks of treatment, VNRS decreased and skin surface temperature difference between the left and right symmetric part of DITI showed moderate improvement. Conclusions : The results suggest that integrated Korean medical treatment may affect to reduce the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Further study is needed to evaluate the importance of this report.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.97-100
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• 2000

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a combination of signs and symptoms caused by the compression of the vital neurovascular structure at the thoracic outlet region. It may stem from a number of abnormalities, including degenerative or bony disorders, trauma to cervical spine, fibromuscular bands, vascular abnormalities and spasm of the anterior scalene muscle. CPT (current perception threshold) is defined as the minimum amount of current applied transcutaneously that an individual consciously perceives. It enables quantification of the hyperesthesia that precedes progressive nerve impairment, as well as hypoesthetic conditions. We experienced a case of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by fibrosis of anterior scalene muscle. The patient was a 30 years old woman with a 3 years history of numbness on the ulnar side, progressive weakness and coldness of both hand, tiredness in the left arm, nocturnal pain in the left forearm, and pain in the left elbow, shoulder and neck. Conservative treatment, stellate ganglion block, cervical epidural block, anterior scalene block and previous operation, including both carpal tunnel release, provided no remarkable relief to the patient. A left scalenectomy and first rib resection were performed by transaxillary approach and left cervical root neurolysis was done. After surgery, we measured CPT using neurometer and found conditions worsening in the opposite arm. We performed the same procedure on right side, and followed by CPT measurement. This case suggests that CPT is a useful measurement of recovery and progression of TOS.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Sweet Bee Venom(Sweet BV) Therapy between the hand paresthesia patients with Osteoporosis and without Osteoporosis. Methods: This study was carried out to established the clinical criteria of hand parethesia. The patients who had past history of diabeics, neuropathy induced by alcohol or drug and was positive on Myofacial Pain Syndrome Theory were excluded. 32 patients who had hand paresthesia related with unknown-reason was selected by the interview process. And the effects of treatment were analyzed using VAS score before treatment, after treatment, after 1 month and after 3 months. Results and conclusion: After treatment, While Osteoporosis group decrease from $64.81{\pm}7.81$ to $27.21{\pm}7.32$, Non-Osteoporosis group decrease from $58.76{\pm}1.43$ to $24.74{\pm}3.81$ by VAS scores. and After 3 months, While Osteoporosis group increase from $27.21{\pm}7.32$ to $54.96{\pm}9.40$, Non Osteoporosis group increase from $24.74{\pm}3.81$ to $32.43{\pm}5.57$. Non-Osteoporosis group was accordingly more effective than Osteoporosis group after 3 months. So Sweet BV therapy for hand numbness patients without Osteoporosis was e effective than patients with Osteoporosis.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.5-11
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• 2003

Thoracic outlet syndrome is actually a collection of syndromes brought about by abnormal compression of the neurovascular bundle by bony, ligamentous or muscular obstacles between the cervical spine and the lower border of the axilla. First of all a syndrome is defined as a group of signs and symptoms that collectively characterize or indicate a particular disease or abnormal condition. The neurovascular bundle which can suffer compression consists of the brachial plexus plus the C8 and T1 nerve roots and the subclavian artery and vein. The brachial plexus is the network of motor and sensory nerves which innervate the arm, the hand, and the region of the shoulder girdle. The vascular component of the bundle, the subclavian artery and vein transport blood to and from the arm. the hand. the shoulder girdle and the regions of the neck and head. The bony, ligamentous, and muscular obstacles all define the cervicoaxillary canal or the thoracic outlet and its course from the base of the neck to the axilla or arm pit. Look at the scheme of this region and it all becomes more easily understood. Compression occurs when the size and shape of the thoracic outlet is altered. The outlet can be altered by exercise, trauma, pregnancy, a congenital anomaly, an exostosis, postural weakness or changes. Thoracic outlet syndrome has been described as occurring in a diverse population. It is most often the result of poor or strenuous posture but can also result from trauma or constant muscle tension in the shoulder girdle. The first step to beginning any treatment begins with a trip to the doctor. Make a list of all of the symptoms which seem to be present even if the sensations are vague. Make a note of what activities and positions produce or alleviate the symptoms and the time of day when symptoms are worst. Also, note when the symptoms first appeared. This list is important and should also include any questions one may have.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.89-96
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to report the effects of Korean medicine treatment in wrist drop patient with thoracic outlet syndrome. We treated the patient for 8 days using Korean medicine treatment such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, Chuna manual therapy and pharmacopuncture. Changes in the numerical rating scale (NRS), EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) index, and symptoms were measured for assessment. After 8 days hospitalization, NRS decreased from 5 to 3, EQ-5D index and the symptoms of the patient also were improved. In conclusion, this case shows that Korean medicine treatment can be an effective treatment for wrist drop with thoracic outlet syndrome.