Published online Jul 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i21.5804
Peer-review started: March 22, 2021
First decision: April 29, 2021
Revised: May 6, 2021
Accepted: May 24, 2021
Article in press: May 24, 2021
Published online: July 26, 2021
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of diverse disorders involving compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet region. TOS results in pain, numbness, paresthesia, and motor weakness in the affected upper limb. We reviewed the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, differential dia
Core Tip: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders involving compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet region. TOS is classified into three types, neurogenic, venous, and arterial, according to the primarily affected structure. In true neurogenic TOS, the T1 nerve root is more susceptible to damage than the C8 nerve root. The disputed TOS is categorized as a type of neurogenic TOS, but the diagnostic criteria for disputed TOS are lacking and controversial. Before confirming a diagnosis of disputed TOS, clinicians should exclude all other disorders that share common symptoms and features with disputed TOS.