Subclavian and axillary vein compression of musculoskeletal origin

Abstract

Twenty instances of subclavian-axillary vein compression of musculoskeletal origin in 14 patients are reported. In 9 thrombosis had occurred and in the remainder the compression was intermittent. The cause appeared to be extraluminar factors such as the subclavius muscle, the scalenus anterior, the pectoralis minor and a malunited fracture of the clavicle. Ten cases were treated surgically with satisfactory results.

Late onset venous thoracic outlet syndrome following clavicle non-union fracture: A case report

“…The vein is subject to compression by hypertrophied anterior scalene or subclavius muscles, anatomic abnormalities such as cervical ribs, or demanding activity such as strenuous exercise (weight lifting, rowing) or hyperabduction and external rotation of the arm (baseball pitching). 1,2,8,9 The most common symptoms associated with UEDVT include arm and hand edema as well as discomfort and heaviness. On examination, distended veins, cyanosis, and palpable superficial veins can be present.…”

Pulmonary embolism after acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair

“…4,5,9 In contrast, primary DVT occurs usually in healthy male subjects of a muscular build who are in their twenties. 3 In those cases where no obvious etiology is forthcoming, the thrombosis is thought to be preceded by an ill-defined mechanism of trauma brought on by ''effort,'' and this condition is called Paget-Schroetter syndrome. 6,11 Despite the absence of an obvious etiology, anatomic anomalies such as cervical ribs, muscular fascial bands, and hypertrophied muscles (subclavius muscle and anterior scalene muscles) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary DVT of the upper extremity.…”

“…7,8 The onset of symptoms can be quite variable and has been described as being between 2 days and 3 years in one series. 3 The presentation can vary from being asymptomatic to pain and/or swelling in the arm, prominence of superficial veins in the upper arm and chest, cyanosis of the hand, numbness and tingling of the fingers, and functional impairment. 3,9,12 Because the prevalence of this condition is less than 50% in symptomatic patients, it is recommended that the diagnosis be established objectively before anticoagulant therapy is given.…”

“…3 The presentation can vary from being asymptomatic to pain and/or swelling in the arm, prominence of superficial veins in the upper arm and chest, cyanosis of the hand, numbness and tingling of the fingers, and functional impairment. 3,9,12 Because the prevalence of this condition is less than 50% in symptomatic patients, it is recommended that the diagnosis be established objectively before anticoagulant therapy is given. 9,10 In view of its convenience, real-time B-mode ultrasound should be regarded as the first method of choice.…”

Clavicle Malunions: Surgical Treatment and Outcome—a Literature Review

“…McKee et al [19] reported loss of plate fixation in 1 case after corrective osteotomy and Hillen et al [13] had 1 infection and 1 nonunion after sliding osteotomy and fixation with a pelvic reconstruction plate. Seven studies [1,6,9,15,22,25,35] did not encounter any complications, and in the remaining 14 studies, complications were not reported.…”