Thoracic outlet syndrome: Part I: A review of the recent literature

This article is a review of the current literature regarding thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). There is a paucity of papers exhibiting a clear separation of the broad TOS category into the subgroups of the neurogenic, vascular, and traumatic variants. A compilation of recent TOS series and case reports has been documented and then analyzed. This paper also serves to document the current anatomic, radiologic, and diagnostic aspects of TOS, as well as recent neurophysiologic and surgical techniques. All of these aspects contribute to a better diagnostic and treatment acumen, which will ultimately result in a better outcome for patients with TOS and its subdivisions.