CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME USING AN ORTHOSIS

We describe a strapping device for elevation of the shoulder in patien ts with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The device was used by 86 pati ents with TOS whose symptoms had been alleviated by passively raising the shoulder. Symptoms of TOS were classified as proximal, including p ain in the shoulder girdle, and distal, in which there were neurologic al deficits related to the brachial plexus. The device was more effect ive in patients with distal symptoms: pain disappeared or improved in 67% of patients; numbness in 85%; sensory disturbance in 84%; and moto r disturbance in 80%. However, proximal symptoms were relieved in only 65% of the patients. The ability to perform activities of daily livin g was rated as excellent in 33% of patients, good in 44%, fair in 12%, and poor in 9%. The shoulder orthosis described in this report can co unterbalance downward traction on the brachial plexus and reduce the t ension on it, thereby relieving symptoms of TOS.