Síndrome del nervio dorsal escapular en un adulto / Dorsalscapular nerve syndrome in an adult

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 47 años de edad, quien acudió al Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Joaquín Albarrán de La Habana por presentar dolor en el cuello irradiado al miembro superior izquierdo. En la exploración física se destacó atrofia de los músculos romboides de la escápula izquierda y deformidad alar, acentuada durante la maniobra. Se realizó radiografía y electromiografía; en la primera, se observó costilla cervical supernumeraria izquierda y, en la segunda, lesión del nervio dorsal escapular, por lo cual se diagnosticó síndrome del nervio dorsal escapular secundario a síndrome del escaleno anterior. Se indicó tratamiento fisioterapéutico y el paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente.

The case report of a 47 years patient is presented, who went to the Orthopedics and Traumatology Service of Joaquín Albarrán Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital in Havana due to a pain in the neck irradiated to the left superior member. In the physical exploration atrophy of the left scapula romboid muscles and alar deformity were notable, accented during the maneuver. Radiography and electromyography were carried out; in the first one, left supernumerary cervical rib was observed and, in the second one, dorsalscapular nerve leison, reason why the secondary dorsal scapular nerve syndrome to anterior scalene syndrome was diagnosed. Physiotherapeutic treatment was indicated and the patient had a favorable clinical course.

Diez años de resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica / Ten years of surgical treatment's results for thoracic outlet syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de la salida torácica abarca diversos trastornos, que se producen como consecuencia de la compresión intermitente o persistente de los distintos elementos que salen del tórax hacia el brazo y ocasionan síntomas vasculares, neurológicos o combinados, los cuales frecuentemente tienen una indicación quirúrgica para su resolución. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de diez años de experiencia del tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica en los pacientes intervenidos en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", de Guantánamo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal en pacientes diagnosticados en el servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", de Guantánamo, con el síndrome de la salida torácica, los cuales se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico en el período 2009-2019. Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, síndromes diagnosticados, técnicas quirúrgicas, complicaciones, y sintomatología antes y después de la cirugía. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino, fundamentalmente entre 40 y 50 años. El dolor fue el síntoma predominante y el síndrome más diagnosticado resultó el costo-clavicular. Se destacó como la técnica quirúrgica más empleada la desinserción del escaleno anterior, seguida por la resección de la primera costilla. La lesión pleural y neural aparecieron como las complicaciones más frecuentes. Se constató la mejoría clínica de los pacientes luego de la intervención quirúrgica en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: Se demostró que el tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de la salida torácica puede ser una alternativa efectiva para los pacientes aquejados por esta entidad(AU)

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome covers various disorders, which occur as a result of intermittent or persistent compression of the different elements that leave the chest to the arm and cause vascular, neurological or combined symptoms, which often have a surgical indication for their resolution. Objective: Assess the results of ten years of experience in the surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome in patients operated on at "Dr. Agostinho Neto" General Teaching Hospital in Guantánamo. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in patients diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of "Dr. Agostinho Neto" General Teaching Hospital, Guantánamo , who underwent surgical treatment in the period 2009-2019. The following variables were evaluated: age, sex, diagnosed syndromes, surgical techniques, complications, and symptoms before and after surgery. Results: The female sex predominated, mainly in the ages from 40 to 50. Pain was the predominant symptom, and the costo-clavicular syndrome turned out to be the most diagnosed one. The most used surgical technique was the disinsertion of the anterior scalene, followed by the resection of the first rib. Pleural and neural injury appeared as the most frequent complications. The clinical improvement of patients after surgical intervention was found in most cases. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome can be an effective alternative for patients suffering from this entity(AU)

Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico en una niña. Caso clínico / Thoracic outlet syndrome in a girl. Clinical case

Introducción: El Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico lo conforma una serie de síntomas y signos causados por la compresión de las estructuras neurovasculares en su salida por el desfiladero torácico a nivel supraclavicular.2 Dependiendo de la estructura afectada se habla de Síndrome del Desfiladero Torácico Neurológico, cuando la compresión es neurológica, SDTA cuando es arterial y SDTV cuando la compresión es venosa.3La presentación en la infancia es excepcional y la aparición con déficits motores se presenta en uno entre un millón de casos.1-6Los síntomas de dolor, debilidad y parestesias en la mano son orientativos y obligan a descartar esta entidad, así como signos clínicos de atrofia de musculatura son indicativos de la cronicidad.Los estudios preoperatorios como la electromiografía, RMN y angiografía asociada a RMN y pruebas dinámicas contribuyen al diagnóstico de esta entidad.7 La resección de la primera costilla y la escalenotomía es el procedimiento quirúrgico habitual en estos casos.8Presentamos el caso de una niña de 8 años que inicia sintomatología coincidiendo con la toma de biopsia a nivel supraclavicular en estudio de tumoración.

Introduction: The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) conforms series of symptoms and signs caused by a compression of the neurovascular structures in the output thoracic pass at supraclavicluar level2. Depending on the affected structure, the syndrome can be Nerve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS), Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (ATOS) or Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (VTOS).3 The presentation in childhood is exceptional and the appearance with motor deficits occurs in one in a million cases.1The main clinical signs of TOS in adults include ip-silateral upper limb pain and discomfort, weakness, cold intolerance, and numbness of the hand. During physical examination, the muscles of the ipsilateral limb are relatively weak, and anesthesia, or pinprick sensation without pain is present on the inner sur- face of the hand and forearm. Thenar and hypothenar muscle atrophy may also be seen.In contrast, in children and teenagers, TOS usually presents as neck discomfort, upper limb numbness, weakness, and sensory loss.9We present the case of an 8-years-old girl started symptomatology coinciding with a biopsy taken for supraclavicular tumor at this level.

Tratamento cirúrgico da forma arterial da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico associado à costela cervical / Surgical treatment of cervical rib-associated arterial thoracic outlet syndrome

Resumo A forma arterial da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico é rara e está associada a uma anomalia anatômica, geralmente uma costela cervical. Suas manifestações são muito variadas. Este artigo tem como proposta relatar dois casos de apresentações clínicas distintas: microembolização e aneurisma. Em ambos, uma costela cervical estava presente. O diagnóstico foi realizado através da história, do exame físico, das manobras posturais e das radiografias. A angiotomografia computadorizada proporcionou o detalhe anatômico necessário para o planejamento operatório. O tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado pela abordagem supraclavicular, com sucesso em ambos casos.

Abstract The arterial form of thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and is associated with anatomic anomalies, generally a cervical rib. It has a varied range of manifestations. The aim of this article is to describe two cases with different clinical presentations: microembolization and aneurysm. A cervical rib was present in both cases. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history, physical examination, postural maneuvers, and X-rays. Computed tomography angiography provided the anatomic detail necessary to plan surgery. Surgical treatment was performed via supraclavicular access, successfully, in both cases.

CT Scan guided interscalene brachial plexus neurolysis using 95% alcohol in a patient with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A case report

@#A number of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome experience intractable pain unresponsive to pharmacologic treatment. In this case, a brachia! plexus neurolysis was performed to address the patient's pain secondary to an enlarging left supraclavicular node. Guided under CT scan, 3 ml of 95% alcohol was injected in between the anterior and middle scalene muscles onto the trunks of the left brachia! plexus, affording immediate pain relief. Particular concerns of motor blockade, phrenic nerve palsy, stellate ganglion blockade, and bleeding did not occur. Therefore, brachia! plexus neurolysis can be safely done at a lower volume, without the above debilitating complications. It can be an option in relieving intractable upper extremity pain.

Cervical rib which resembles original thoracic rib presenting with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS): literature review with a case report / Costilla cervical que se asemeja a una costilla torácica presentándose con síndrome de salida torácica (SST): revisión de la literatura a partir de un caso clínico

The cervical rib (CR) is a rare skeletal anomaly, which generally articulated with the transverse process of the 7th cervical vertebra, and commonly lead to compression of neurovascular structures in the region of the thoracic outlet. CRs are divided into 2 classes as complete and incomplete forms. A clarifying description of the so-called complete CR form has not been found with sufficient information in the literature. We aimed to present a novel case of an anomalous, supernumerary, extra, or additional rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra. We present the case of a 23-year-old female who presented with a mass described as slowgrowing since her childhood in the supraclavicular region. The patient complained of pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty in lifting her right arm, which increased gradually over in the last 6 months. Physical examination revealed findings of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Radiographic analysis demonstrated a huge cervical rib, which resembles the size of a real thoracic rib. The cervical rib was completely resected through the supraclavicular approach. There is not enough data in theliterature about different morphologic properties of CRs. It is presented with 3-D CT images before and after surgical resection. The final version of the transformation of C7 transverse process to an original Thoracic Rib is shown. As a result, the following question presented, can it be called a Zeroth Rib?.

La costilla cervical (CC) es una anomalía esquelética rara, que generalmente se articula con el proceso transverso de la séptima vértebra cervical y generalmente conduce a la compresión de estructuras neurovasculares en la región de salida torácica. Las CC se dividen en 2 clases, como formas completas e incompletas. No se ha encontrado una descripción aclaratoria de la forma completa de CC, con información insuficiente en la literatura. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar un nuevo caso de costilla anómala, supernumeraria, extra o adicional que surge de la séptima vértebra cervical. Exponemos el caso de una mujer de 23 años que presentó una masa descrita como de crecimiento lento desde su infancia en la región supraclavicular. La paciente relató dolor, entumecimiento, debilidad y dificultad para levantar el miembro superior derecho, con un aumento gradual de sus síntomas en los últimos 6 meses. El examen físico reveló hallazgos del síndrome de salida torácica (SST). El análisis radiográfico demostró una costilla cervical de tamaño importante, que se asemejaba al tamaño de una costilla torácica real. La costilla cervical fue resecada completamente a través de un abordaje supraclavicular. No hay suficientes datos en la literatura sobre las diferentes características morfológicas de las CC. Se presentan imágenes tridimensionales de tomogracía computarizada, antes y después de la resección quirúrgica. Se muestra la versión final de la transformación del proceso transverso de C7 a una costilla torácica original. Como resultado, se plantea la siguiente pregunta, ¿se puede denominar a esta costilla como "costilla cero"?.

Evaluation of the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in the anterior and middle scalene muscles guided by ultrasonography in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

SUMMARY A clinical, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with two parallel groups. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine injection in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) compared to cutaneous pressure. METHODS 38 patients, 19 in the control group (skin pressure in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles) and 19 in the intervention group (ropivacaine). Subjects with a diagnosis of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pain in upper limbs and/or neck, with no radiculopathy or neurological involvement of the limb affected due to compressive or encephalic root causes were included. The primary endpoint was functionality, evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - DASH scale validated for use in Brasil. The time of the evaluations were T0 = before the intervention; T1 = immediately after; T2 = 1 week; T3 = 4 weeks; T4 = 12 weeks; for T1, the DASH scale was not applied. RESULTS Concerning the DASH scale, it is possible to affirm with statistical significance (p> 0.05) that the intervention group presented an improvement of functionality at four weeks, which was maintained by the 12th week. CONCLUSION In practical terms, we concluded that a 0.375% injection of ropivacaine at doses of 2.5 ml in each belly of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, guided by ultrasonography, in the treatment of Nonspecific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome helps to improve function.

RESUMO Ensaio clínico, controlado por placebo, aleatorizado, duplo-cego, com dois braços paralelos. OBJETIVO Avaliar a eficácia da injeção de ropivacaína em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico comparado com o toque cutâneo. MÉTODOS Trinta e oito pacientes, sendo 19 no grupo controle (toque cutâneo em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio) e 19 no grupo intervenção (ropivacaína). Foram incluídos sujeitos com diagnóstico de Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico com dor em membros superiores e/ou cervicalgia sem radiculopatia ou comprometimento neurológico do membro em questão por causas radiculares compressivas ou encefálicas. O desfecho primário foi a funcionalidade avaliada pela escala Disabilitie of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand - Dash, validada no Brasil. O tempo das avaliações foram T0 = antes da intervenção; T1 = imediatamente após, T2 = 1 semana, T3 = 4 semanas e T4 = 12 semanas, sendo que para o T1 não foi aplicado o Dash. RESULTADOS Com relação ao Dash, de forma estatisticamente significante (p>0,05), é possível afirmar que o grupo intervenção apresentou melhora da funcionalidade a partir de quatro semanas, e essa melhora se manteve até a 12a semana. CONCLUSÃO Em termos práticos, conclui-se que a injeção de ropivacaína 0,375% nas doses de 2,5 ml em cada ventre dos músculos escalenos anterior e médio, guiada por ultrassonografia, no tratamento da Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico Neurogênico inespecífico auxilia na melhora da função.

Troisier sign and Virchow node: the anatomy and pathology of pulmonary adenocarcinoma metastasis to a supraclavicular lymph node

ABSTRACT: Metastatic spread of cancer via the thoracic duct may lead to an enlargement of the left supraclavicular node, known as the Virchow node (VN), leading to an appreciable mass that can be recognized clinically ­ a Troisier sign. The VN is of profound clinical importance; however, there have been few studies of its regional anatomical relationships. Our report presents a case of a Troisier sign/VN discovered during cadaveric dissection in an individual whose cause of death was, reportedly, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The VN was found to arise from an antecedent pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Our report includes a regional study of the anatomy as well as relevant gross pathology and histopathology. Our anatomical findings suggest that the VN may contribute to vascular thoracic outlet syndrome as well as the brachial plexopathy of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Further, the VN has the potential to cause compression of the phrenic nerve, contributing to unilateral phrenic neuropathy and subsequent dyspnea. Recognition of the Troisier sign/VN is of great clinical importance. Similarly, an appreciation of the anatomy surrounding the VN, and the potential for the enlarged node to encroach on neurovascular structures, is also important in the study of a patient. The presence of a Troisier sign/VN should be assessed when thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy are suspected. Conversely, when a VN is identified, the possibility of concomitant or subsequent thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy should be considered.

Síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico: uma revisão narrativa / Thoracic outlet syndrome: a narrative review

RESUMO A Síndrome do Desfiladeiro Torácico (SDT) é causada pela compressão do plexo braquial, artéria subclávia e veia subclávia na região do desfiladeiro torácico. Estas estruturas podem ser comprimidas entre a clavícula e a primeira costela ou por um número de variações anatômicas. A compressão neurológica é a forma mais comum da síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico. Complicações vasculares ocorrem com pouca frequência. Complicações arteriais geralmente resultam da compressão da artéria subclávia por costela cervical completa. As complicações venosas estão muitas vezes relacionadas à compressão muscular da veia subclávia. A forma neurogênica, anteriormente descrita, é a mais comum, constituindo mais de 95% dos casos. Já a forma venosa representa 2% a 3% e, a arterial, cerca de 1% dos casos. Fatores de risco incluem biótipo e variações individuais, como genética, idade e sexo. No Brasil, não há dados acerca da epidemiologia da SDT. Diante da suspeita de SDT é necessária uma avaliação clínica detalhada, seguida de exames complementares para elucidação da causa. O tratamento é direcionado de acordo com a etiologia e a presença ou não de complicações. A proposta do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre a SDT, versando sobre sua etiologia, fisiopatologia, epidemiologia, avaliação clínica, exames complementares, diagnósticos diferenciais e tratamento.

ABSTRACT The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) results from compression of the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and the subclavian vein in the thoracic outlet region. This compression may take place between the clavicle and the first rib or by a number of anatomical variations. Neurological compression is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome. Vascular complications occur infrequently. Arterial complications usually result from compression of the subclavian artery by a complete cervical rib. Venous complications are often related to muscle compression of the subclavian vein. The neurogenic form, previously described, is the most common, constituting more than 95% of cases, while the venous represents 2% to 3%, and the arterial, about 1%. Risk factors include biotype and individual variations such as genetics, age and gender. In Brazil, there are no data on the epidemiology of TOS. Given the suspicion of TOS, a detailed clinical evaluation is necessary, followed by complementary exams to elucidate the cause. The treatment is directed according to the etiology and the presence or absence of complications. The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative review on TOS, focusing on its etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical evaluation, complementary exams, differential diagnoses, and treatment.

Progressive Brachial Plexus Palsy after Fixation of Clavicle Shaft Nonunion: A Case Report

The brachial plexus palsy is a rare complication of a clavicle fracture, occurring in 0.5% to 9.0% of cases. This condition is caused by excessive callus formation, which can be recovered by a spur resection and surgical fixation. In contrast, only seven cases have been reported after surgical reduction and fixation. A case of progressive brachial plexus palsy was observed after fixation of the displaced nonunion of a clavicle fracture. The symptom were improved after removing the implant.

Progress in diagnosis and therapy of thoracic outlet syndrome / 中国骨伤

Thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS) are constellation of symptoms caused by compression of the neurovascular bundle including the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and the subclavian vein at the thoracic outlet region. It includes neurogenic TOS, venus TOS, arterial TOS, and neurogenic TOS is the most common type. TOS has varied manifestations and lack of confirmatory testing, therefore, the diagnosis should be conbination with thorough history, physical examination and associated supplementary examinations. Conservative and surgical treatment can be choosed for TOS and the outcomes are generally good. Conservative management is the initial treatment strategy for neurogenic TOS. In cases of symptomatic vascular TOS and neurovascular TOS, which has been failed by conservative treatment, surgery should be considered more promptly.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Induced by Huge Lipoma: A Case Report / 대한신경손상학회지

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a relatively well known disease. Other than trauma, this disease is mostly caused by anatomical structures that cause vascular or neural compression. The cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is diverse; however, there are only few reports of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by lipoma in the pectoralis minor space. We report a case of compression of the lower trunk of brachial plexus in which a large lipoma that developed in the pectoral minor space grew into the subclavicular space, along with a review of literature.

Compressão da artéria subclávia por pseudoartrose de clavícula: apresentação na quinta década de vida / Late presentation of critical upper limb ischemia caused by pseudarthrosis of the clavicle

A compressão da artéria subclávia no desfiladeiro torácico é um fenômeno amplamente conhecido. Anormalidades ósseas, como a pseudoartrose da clavícula, podem raramente causar compressão arterial a esse nível. A pseudoartrose pode desenvolver-se em decorrência de um trauma, que é a forma mais comum, ou ser congênita. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma paciente de 44 anos com quadro de isquemia crítica de membro superior direito. Apresentava história de fratura não tratada de clavícula direita aos 9 meses de idade que evoluiu com pseudoartrose e compressão extrínseca com oclusão da artéria subclávia. O segmento da clavicula acometido pela pseudoartrose foi ressecado e realizada uma tromboembolectomia tardia das artérias subclávia, braquial e distais, com boa evolução.

Compression of the subclavian artery in the thoracic outlet is a well-known phenomenon. In rare cases, bone abnormalities, such as pseudarthrosis of the clavicle, can cause arterial compression at this level. Pseudarthrosis may develop as a result of trauma, which is the more common form, or it may be congenital. Here, the authors describe the case of a 44-year-old patient with critical ischemia of the right upper limb. She had a history of untreated right clavicle fracture at 9 months of age which had progressed to pseudarthrosis and extrinsic compression of the subclavian artery causing occlusion. The segment of the clavicle involved was resected and late thromboembolectomy of the subclavian, brachial, distal arteries was performed, with good results.

Quality of Life of People with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome after Surgery

Purpose To evaluate the quality of life of patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (N-TOS) who underwent surgery via the supraclavicular approach. Method Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and an evaluation of the pain and quality of life of 29 patients was performed. Results The average age of the patients was 42 years, and most of them were female. All of them had one or more associated pathologies. They all worked in occupations that involved repetitive movement of the upper limbs. The evaluation of the degree of pain showed that the pain remains preponderant and incapacitating in the life of these individuals, who consequently enjoy a low quality of life. Conclusion These patients presented low quality of life, with persistent pain probably resulting from the associated pathologies, in addition to their psychosocial context. Thus, in order to treat the TOS, an intervention of a multidisciplinary team with a holistic view of the patient is required.

Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico (SDT) do tipo neurogênico submetidos a cirurgia por via supraclavicular. Metodologia Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, e foram avaliadas a dor e a qualidade de vida de 29 pacientes. Resultados Os pacientes tinham idade média de 42 anos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, e todos com uma ou mais patologias associadas. Todas as ocupações profissionais exercidas envolviam movimentos repetitivos de membros superiores. A avaliação do quadro álgico evidenciou que a dor ainda permanece preponderante e incapacitante na vida desses indivíduos, que, consequentemente, apresentam baixa qualidade de vida. Conclusão Estes pacientes apresentaram baixa qualidade de vida, com persistência da dor, provavelmente em decorrência das patologias associadas, além do contexto psicossocial. Desse modo, para o tratamento da SDT, faz-se necessária a intervenção de uma equipe multidisciplinar com visão holística do paciente.

Subclavius posticus muscle with anomalous posterior insertion: case report / Músculo subclavius posticus con inserción posterior anómala: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: During routine anatomical dissection of the left supraclavicular and infraclavicular regions of a male cadaver, a supernumerary muscle was observed, which, by its position and insertions, consistent with the subclavius posticus muscle (posterior subclavius muscle). It had its anterior insertion by a thin tendon in the cranial surface of the first costal cartilage next to the subclavius muscle's insertion, and ran dorso-laterally crossing over the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels to end on the posterior surface of the serratus anterior muscle's fascia near to the superior margin of the scapula, without taking insertion on it, which differentiates it from the muscles described in the bibliography. This aberrant muscle has clinical implication since it has been described as a cause of thoracic outlet syndrome and it may appear in diagnostic imaging techniques simulating different pathological processes.

RESUMEN: Durante una disección de rutina de las regiones supraclavicular e infraclavicular izquierdas de un cadáver masculino, observamos un músculo supernumerario, el cual según su ubicación, origen e inserción, se corresponde con la descripción del músculo subclavius posticus (subclavio posterior). Presenta su inserción anterior mediante un delgado tendón en la cara superior del primer cartílago costal, a un lado de la inserción del músculo subclavio, y corre hacia posterior y lateral, cruzando por encima de los troncos del plexo braquial y los vasos subclavios para terminar en la superficie posterior de la fascia del músculo serrato anterior, cerca del margen superior de la escápula, sin prestar inserción en él, lo cual lo diferencia de los músculos descritos en la bibliografía. Este músculo tiene implicancia clínica debido a que ha sido descrito como causa del síndrome del estrecho superior torácico, y puede aparecer simulando procesos patológicos en estudios por imágenes.

Upper Limb Pain and Paresthesia in a Post-Stroke Patient Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Electrical Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ETOIMS) of Scalene Muscles

In post-stroke patients, the pain or paresthesia of the affected limb is common. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of pathologic conditions. Considering the debilitating effects of the pain, it is important to determine the exact cause and manage appropriately. A 41-year-old woman who had experienced a hemorrhagic lesion in the right basal ganglia and corona radiata 4 months previously presented with an irritating tingling sensation in her left upper extremity. She failed to respond to a number of treatment options including medications and physical agent modalities. Following a diagnosis of disputed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by scalene muscle dysfunctions, she received ultrasound-guided electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) which significantly alleviated the pain. This case suggests that the disputed TOS should be considered as one of the possible causes of post-stroke pain, and that detailed history-taking and physical examination, as well as imaging or electrophysiological studies, might be required for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, ultrasound-guided ETOIMS can be used as a safe and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of the disputed TOS with fewer systemic and local side effects.

Anatomical variations of pronator teres muscle: predispositional role for nerve entrapment / Variações anatômicas do músculo pronador redondo e sua importância nas síndromes compressivas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To assess the anatomical variations of the pronator teres muscle (PTM) and its implication in the compression of the median nerve, which passes through the humeral and ulnar heads of the PTM. METHODS: For the present study, 100 upper limbs from human cadavers from the anatomy laboratory were dissected. Forty-six specimens were male and four, female, whose aged ranged from 28 to 77 years; 27 were white and 23, non-white. A pilot study consisting of six hands from three fresh cadaver dissections was conducted to familiarize the authors with the local anatomy; these were not included in the present study. RESULTS: The humeral and ulnar heads of PTM were present in 86 limbs. In 72 out of the 86 limbs, the median nerve was positioned between the two heads of the PTM; in 11, it passed through the muscle belly of ulnar head of the PTM, and in three, posteriorly to both heads of the PTM. When both heads were present, the median nerve was not observed as passing through the muscle belly of the humeral head of PTM. In 14 out of the 100 dissected limbs, the ulnar head of the PTM was not observed; in this situation, the median nerve was positioned posteriorly to the humeral head in 11 limbs, and passed through the humeral head in three. In 17 limbs, the ulnar head of PTM was little developed, with a fibrous band originating from the ulnar coronoid process, associated with a distal muscle component near the union with the humeral head. In four limbs, the ulnar head of the MPR was represented by a fibrous band. In both limbs of one cadaver, a fibrous band was observed between the supinator muscle and the humeral head of the PTM, passing over median nerve. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that these anatomical variations in relationship median nerve and PTM are potential factors for median nerve compression, as they narrow the space through which the median nerve passes.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar as variações anatômicas do músculo pronador redondo (MPR) e suas implicações na compressão do nervo mediano, que passa entre as cabeças umeral e ulnar do MPR. MÉTODO: Foram dissecados 100 membros superiores de cadáveres adultos pertencentes ao laboratório de anatomia; 46 cadáveres eram do sexo masculino e quatro do feminino. A idade variou entre 28 e 77 anos; 27 eram da etnia branca e 23, não branca. Um estudo piloto que incluiu três cadáveres frescos foi feito, para familiarização dos autores com a anatomia regional. Esses não foram incluídos no estudo. RESULTADOS: Em 86 membros, observou-se a presença das cabeças umeral e ulnar do MPR. Em 72 dos 86 membros, o nervo mediano estava posicionado entre as cabeças umeral e ulnar do MPR; em 11, esse encontrava-se através da massa muscular da cabeça ulnar do MPR e em três, o nervo mediano estava posicionado posteriormente às duas cabeças do MPR. Nos casos em que as duas cabeças do músculo estavam presentes, não se observou o nervo mediano passando através da massa muscular da cabeça umeral do MPR. Em 14 dos 100 membros dissecados, a cabeça ulnar do MPR não estava presente. Nessa situação, o nervo mediano posicionava-se posteriormente à cabeça umeral em 11 membros e através da cabeça umeral em três membros. Em 17 membros, a cabeça ulnar estava muito pouco desenvolvida, com conformação fibrosa em sua origem no processo coronoide da ulna, associada a um componente muscular distal, próximo a sua união com a cabeça umeral. Em quatro membros, a cabeça ulnar do MPR estava representada apenas por uma banda fibrosa. Nos dois membros de um cadáver, observou-se uma expansão fibrosa que saía do músculo supinador para a cabeça umeral do MPR, passando como uma cinta sobre o nervo mediano. CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados sugerem que as variações anatômicas na relação nervo mediano e MPR representam fatores potenciais para compressão nervosa, por estreitar o espaço no qual passa o nervo mediano.

Evaluation of Complications after Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is necessary when non-surgical treatments fail. Complications of surgical procedures vary from short-term post-surgical pain to permanent disability. The outcome of TOS surgery is affected by the visibility during the operation. In this study, we have compared the complications arising during the supraclavicular and the transaxillary approaches to determine the appropriate approach for TOS surgery. METHODS: In this study, 448 patients with symptoms of TOS were assessed. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:4, and the mean age was 34.5 years. Overall, 102 operations were performed, including unilateral, bilateral, and reoperations, and the patients were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 102 patients, 63 underwent the supraclavicular approach, 32 underwent the transaxillary approach, and 7 underwent the transaxillary approach followed by the supraclavicular approach. Complications were evaluated over 24 months. RESULTS: The prevalence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, and vessel injuries in the transaxillary and the supraclavicular approaches was equal. We found more permanent and transient brachial plexus injuries in the case of the transaxillary approach than in the case of the supraclavicular approach, but the difference was not statistically significant. Persistent pain and symptoms were significantly more common in patients who underwent the transaxillary approach (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The supraclavicular approach seems to be the more effective technique of the two because it offers the surgeon better access to the brachial plexus and a direct view. This approach for a TOS operation offers a better surgical outcome and lower reoperation rates than the transaxillary method. Our results showed the supraclavicular approach to be the preferred method for TOS operations.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an uncommon condition that can occur when the nerves, artery, or vein to the arm is compressed by one or more of the structures that make up the thoracic outlet. TOS was the first compression neuropathy of the upper extremity to be identified. The wide variability of patients' symptoms, which include vascular and neural signs, as well as diffuse symptoms, and the lack of a valid and reliable test to confirm the diagnosis of TOS makes it difficult to identify correctly patients with TOS. Rates of three to 80 cases per 1,000 patients have been reported, but more patients are likely to have TOS because it is underestimated. Additionally, the primary controversy regarding patients with TOS is related to symptoms such as paresthesia, numbness, and pain. No positive objective test exists to confirm an accurate diagnosis. If patients present with diffuse pain and numbness in the neck and upper extremity with more than 2 provocation tests, TOS could be considered. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the causes, classification, evaluation, and management of TOS.