Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition that involves pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness and tingling of the fingers. It happens when the nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the thoracic outlet which is the area between the rib cage and clavicle.

The goal of this study was to better understand certain causes of TOS by performing a dynamic simulation of the shoulder complex. Repetitive arm and shoulder movements, as well as anatomical defects can play a role in the development of TOS. In this study, motion capture and medical imaging (CT, MRI) were combined to improve assessment of this condition in symptomatic patients.