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A member asked:
Do doctors, during surgery really remove a rib to treat thoracic outlet syndrome?
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: Thoracic out let syndrome is caused by narrowing of the space in the chest that contains the nerves (brachial plexus) and arteries (axillary artery and veins). Sometimes an extra rib, called the cervical rib narrows the space. Usually it is the 1st rib and the anterior scalene muscle. Surgery to remove the 1st rib and the ant scalene muscle can help with symptoms.
Answered 11/20/2013
6.3k views
Yes, sometimes: Usually the rib is not the problem. The problem is scarring and tightness in the muscles attached to the rib. This can be treated by removing the muscles thru a neck incision and leaving the rib or removing it, depending on the findings at surgery. Some doctors remove the rib through the arm pit in order to release the muscles attached to it. Through the arm pit, the rib must be removed.
Answered 10/24/2017
5.4k views
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