Scalenotomy for Surgical Decompression of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Worthwhile Procedure

Abstract

Compressive lesions at the thoracic outlet declare themselves in the form of vascular and/or neurological symptoms. Contrary to previously held belief, fibro muscular and ligamentous structures create the causative lesions. A simplified knowledge of impingement mechanisms within the anatomic thoracic outlet has led to a new perspective of scalenotomy for adequate surgical decompression for thoracic outlet syndrome. This case report is about a 23 years old male with signs and symptoms of arterial occlusion by soft tissues compression at the thoracic outlet. Surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet was undertaken through right supraclavicular approach and scalenotomy was done which normalized the distal circulation of previously ischemic right upper limb and provided immediate symptomatic improvement.