Thoracic spine - 1 Flashcards
what is TOS
compression or a tension event that compromises the neurovascular structures in the cervicoaxillary canal
what is the cervicoaxillary canal
Cervicoaxillary canal is bounded anteriorly by the clavicle, posteriorly by the scapula, and medially by the first rib.
what is Vascular TOS
compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery or vein
is it easy to treat vscular TOS
no, hard to treat vascular TOS conservatively
Arterial [ATOS] rare or common
rare
what are the signs and symtoms of Arterial [ATOS]
- Secondary to repetitive activities leading to claudication
- Pain, numbness in non-radicular pattern. Associated fatigue with activity that is relieved at rest
- Cramping in the hand with use
- Skin cool to touch; increased sensitivity to cold; Reynaud’s phenomenon
- Pale discoloration
what are the tests for o Arterial [ATOS]
- Allen’s test
what is the purpose of allens test
used to rule out distal arterial occlusion
what is the procedure of allens test
Position:
Arms should be on the table and the PT should be across from them
Procedure
Find the pulse in the radial and ulnar artery – either sides of the wrist
Occlude both hand and have PT open and close hand (hand turns white)
Open up on side – hand should return to red, do for the other side
how do we confirm Arterial [ATOS]
Confirmed through Doppler ultrasound and angiography
what are the symptoms of Venous [VTOS]
- Deep pain in chest, shoulder, & entire upper extremity
- Distal limb edema with paresthesia in hand & fingers; skin tightness; fatigue; cyanosis discoloration
- Venous distension and heaviness of extremity may be observed after activity – should diminish with rest. If not, then possible venous thrombosis - refer to MD
how do we confirm VTOS
lab tests
is VTOS rare or common
rare 3-5%
what is NTOS due to
compression of the brachial plexus
what is True neuro NTOS
symptoms + 2 provaction test
EAST test is always +
how do we confrim NTOS
neurophysiological testing (EMG, NCV)
what is Disputed neuro TOS
there is no confirmation from standard diagnostic testing
- Neurophysiological testing; negative vascular tests; negative imaging.
- Based on symptoms below & at least 2 (+) provocation tests. Cyriax Release test often (+).
what is NTOS often associated with
previous trauma
what are the general symptoms seen with TOS
Pain, paresthesia, numbness, and/or weakness
Cold intolerance (Reynaud phenomenon) due to Sympathetic over activity, not ischemia.
Decreased finger dexterity possible.
Upper Plexus Irritation (C5,6,7) NTOS
Occipital headache.
Pain and paresthesia in anterior chest, periscapular area, radial aspect of arm to dorsum of hand and index finger.
Provoked by head movements or lifting.
Lower Plexus Irritation (C8,T1) NTOS
Pain & paresthesia in suprascapular area, posterior neck, medial side of arm & forearm and ulnar digits of the hand.
Provoked by activities that depress the shoulders (lifting, carrying a brief case)
what are the two presentation of neuro TOS
compressor and releasor
compressor presentation
- Symptoms during the day, especially with overhead activities. Increase in tension or compression of the brachial plexus.
- Compression at costoclavicular &/or pectoralis minor spaces
- Usually no night pain unless sleep with arm overhead
- Occupation often involves working with arms overhead
- Since compression is intermittent, the blood supply returns when arm is lowered & symptoms are relieved
- Often unilateral
does releaser NNTOS have a good prognosis
yes
what are the signs and sym of releaser NTOS
- Brachial plexus under constant tension due to poor posture, weight of the arms during the day.
o Usually sedentary occupation; long periods of sitting doing repetitive activities (keyboard).
o Poor posture, especially shoulder girdle mal-alignment.
o May have large, heavy arms.
* Release phenomenon revealed during examination.
- In bed, the tension is released; blood flow returns; axonal flow returns; patient feels paresthesia.
o Symptoms at night, awakened with paresthesia.
what is the postive test for releaser NTOS
Cyriax Release Test
what test do you for NTOS
- Roos Test (EAST Test)
- Adson’s – Scalene triangle
- Costoclavicular (Military Brace) –
- Wright’s (Hyperabduction) –
- Upper Limb Tension (ULTT) –