The supraclavicular approach to decompression of the thoracic outlet.

Surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet, along with treatment of the involved nerve or vessel, is the accepted treatment modality when indicated. Although neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is often operated via the axillary approach and venous TOS via the paraclavicular approach, arterial TOS is almost always operated via the supraclavicular approach. The supraclavicular approach provides excellent access to the artery, brachial plexus, phrenic nerve, and the cervical and/or first ribs, along with any bony or fibrous or muscular abnormality that may be causing compression of the neurovascular structures. Even for neurogenic TOS, for which the axillary approach offers good cosmesis, the supraclavicular approach helps with adequate decompression while preserving the first rib. This approach may also be sufficient for thin patients with venous TOS. For arterial TOS, a supraclavicular incision usually suffices for excision of bony abnormality and repair of the subclavian artery.

Progressive Arterial Insufficiency in a Displaced Salter-Harris Type 1 Distal Femoral Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: A 17-year-old male patient presented with Salter-Harris type I hyperextension injury of left distal femur with delayed development of acute limb ischemia secondary to popliteal artery injury. CONCLUSION: Popliteal artery injury associated with distal femoral physeal fracture may not be clinically obvious at the time of initial presentation. When initial pulse examination and segmental Doppler measurements are normal, it is important to perform serial examination by experienced examiners because arterial insufficiency may develop over the subsequent 48 hours. If unidentified, this can lead to significant disability and/or limb loss. This emphasizes the importance of serial monitoring along with judicious use of ankle brachial pressure index, pulse oximetry, and imaging.