Surgical intervention for thoracic outlet syndrome improves patient's quality of life

Abstract

The use of the SF-12 and DASH instruments in patients with TOS demonstrated significant improvement in patients postoperatively. Venous TOS patients typically improved both physical and mental scores in shorter periods of time than their neurogenic counterparts. Neurogenic and venous TOS patients returned to full-time work/activity within the same length of time postoperatively. However, neurogenic patients required more secondary interventions. We conclude that in appropriately selected patients with either neurogenic or venous TOS, surgical intervention can improve their quality of life over time.

Early results of a highly selective algorithm for surgery on patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

“…1,[9][10][11] This QD survey for disorders of the upper extremities has been extensively validated in orthopedic and hand surgery literature and has been used in TOS outcomes reports. 12 The QD instrument uses 11 items to objectively measure physical function and symptoms in people with any or multiple musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. Scores range from 0 points (asymptomatic) to 100 (totally incapacitated).…”

Surgical and Functional Outcomes After Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Decompression via Supraclavicular Approach: A 10-Year Single Centre Experience

“…We have used the DASH questionnaire which has been developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http:// www.dash.iwh.on.ca/) as a measure of the functional status and disability after surgery [13]. Several studies validated the questionnaire as an objective tool in evaluating post operative outcomes [7].…”

“…It contains 30 questions, where by scoring each item on the scale between 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (unable), patients describe the severity of their symptoms [7]. The overall score ranges from 0 points (asymptomatic patient) to 100 points (severe symptoms) [7,13].…”

Costochondral calcification, osteophytic degeneration, and occult first rib fractures in patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome

“…All patients were also examined for symptoms and signs of neurogenic TOS, including completion of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey instrument. [7][8][9][10][11] Plain chest radiographs (CXR), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA) studies were performed as indicated by clinical circumstances, but were not specifically obtained for this study. Preoperative imaging studies were reviewed for the presence of osseous abnormalities, such as cervical ribs and overt first rib fractures, but were not specifically assessed for the presence of CC or OD.…”