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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Case Reports and Analysis With Ultrasound Imaging

Completed
Conditions
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Registration Number
NCT01196637
Lead Sponsor
EMG Labs of Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates
Brief Summary

Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of the brachial plexus, in most cases under the pectoralis minor muscle in the infraclavicular region of the shoulder. The hypothesis is that ultrasound imaging can be used to visualize brachial plexus compression and distortion of the pectoralis muscle during arm activity, such as abduction, and that normal subjects will not demonstrate any plexus compression or muscle distortion.

Detailed Description

Four patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) underwent clinical exam and nerve testing to prove that they had TOS and no other nerve abnormality. They subsequently had ultrasound imaging of the shoulder (infraclavicular region) at rest and during arm abduction stress testing. Two control subjects had similar clinical exams and nerve testing to prove they did not have TOS, and then underwent similar ultrasound stress testing. The TOS patients demonstrated brachial plexus compression and pectoralis minor muscle distortion during the stress tests, and the normal subjects showed no plexus compression or muscle distortion.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
6
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brachial plexus compression on ultrasound imaging in thoracic outlet syndrome patients4 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
No brachial plexus compression in normal subjects4 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

EMG Labs of AARA

🇺🇸

Paradise Valley, Arizona, United States

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