Question 1

what is recovery like after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Piece of cake --: it will be ok -- if your doctor told you you needed the surgery then get it done and you will find relief of symptoms pain and numbness of your upper limb immediately

Question 2

is the recovery from the neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery hard?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: You should definitely do some physical therapy. Sometimes the nerve discomfort may take some time to resolve. In rare cases it may persist.

Question 3

about how long is the recovery from a first rib resection and scalenectomy for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Approach?: In general recovery should be in the range of 2-4 weeks. The operative approach may be responsible for some slight differences but the idea is to o relieve pressure and allow full functional return to the affected arm. Depending on the duration and severity of symptoms physical therapy may aid in recovery

Question 4

why does the prognosis for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery get worse over time?

Accepted Answer

Depend on surgery: it really depend on why a patient had surgery most of thoracic outlet syndrome cases does not required surgery specially the neurogenic because the outcome is not very encouraging the only time surgery is warranted if the presence of the cervical rib or the space between the rib and the clavicle is narrower from previous accident or fracture and that cause pressure against mostly blood vessel

Question 5

having a hard time finding any success stories for people who have had a rib resected for thoracic outlet syndrome. does this surgery work?

Accepted Answer

Difficult diagnosis: I question the diagnosis! Go for second opinion with an academic practioner.

Question 6

whats thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

TOS: Tos involves the lower portion of the brachial plexus, where nerves from the neck pass through a tunnel into the chest on the way to the arm.  The plexus can get trapped in the outlet area, and this event can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, but can also affect blood vessels.  On occasion, a congenital first rib can cause compression but trauma may also promote tos.

Question 7

what is thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Narrowing of space: Thoracic outlet syndrome is narrowng of the space between the first rib and the anterior scalene muscle.  The axillary vein and artery and brachial plexus nerve passes through this space.  Narowing the space can pinch the artery, vein, nerve or all of the above.  Also, a rare, abnormal cervical rib can cause the same problems.

Question 8

can thoracic outlet syndrome be cured?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes: Yes, usully with surgery in severe symptomatic cases.

Question 9

is thoracic outlet syndrome permanent?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily.: Assuming that is correct diagnosis, this can commonly be helped with physical therapy. There may be necessity to consider surgical intervention for refractory symptoms, yet that surgery is commonly successful. This is a difficult diagnosis, to come to, so I would make sure you are comfortable with how you came to this diagnosis, and if not consider another opinion.

Question 10

how common is thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Not very common: Three manisfestations:

1. Pinching of the artery leading to the arm and hand (most common)
2. Pinching of the vein leading to the arm and hand, resulting in swelling (next common)
3. Pinching of the nerve resulting in various types of pain (not very common).

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Doctor answers about:

Thoracic outlet syndrome recovery time

A member asked:

What is recovery like after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome?

A member asked:

Is the recovery from the neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery hard?

A member asked:

About how long is the recovery from a first rib resection and scalenectomy for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome?

A member asked:

Why does the prognosis for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery get worse over time?

A member asked:

Having a hard time finding any success stories for people who have had a rib resected for thoracic outlet syndrome. does this surgery work?

A member asked:

Whats thoracic outlet syndrome?

A member asked:

What is thoracic outlet syndrome?

A member asked:

Can thoracic outlet syndrome be cured?

A member asked:

Is thoracic outlet syndrome permanent?

A member asked:

How common is thoracic outlet syndrome?

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