Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
👉 Watch the full video on our Physiotutors App or YouTube channel 🎥📺✨
Thoracic outlet syndrome is defined as a neurovascular symptom complex associated with compression of the brachial bundle, which includes the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels. This compression may be caused by several anatomical structures in one or more of the following three compartments: the interscalenic triangle, the costoclavicular space, or the retropectoralis minor space. This maneuver exerts direct stress to the mechanosensitive brachial plexus. According to Gilard et al. in the year 2001, it has a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 56%. Regarding the very low accuracy, the clinical value of this test is rather weak. To elicit the Tinel sign, have your patient sit upright with the arms at the side of his body. Then, the examiner taps onto the supraclavicular fossa with a reflex hammer or index and middle fingers. This test is positive if the patient reports tenderness or if the patient's familiar symptoms are reproduced. Be aware that it is unlikely that this test is able to distinguish between patients with cervical radiculopathy and TOS, as this test is probably positive in both conditions.
Our Clinical Patterns Database 📊🩺
Get a quick overview of common pathologies at a glance! Swipe in flashcards style to review more details on Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
A great learning tool or quick refresher when prepping for a patient.
Check it out for free on our app.
Link in bio
#Physiotutorsapp #Physiotutors #clinicalpatterns #learning #dpt
👉 Watch the full video on our Physiotutors App or YouTube channel 🎥📺✨
Thoracic outlet syndrome is defined as a neurovascular symptom complex associated with compression of the brachial bundle, which includes the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels. This compression may be caused by several anatomical structures in one or more of the following three compartments: the interscalenic triangle, the costoclavicular space, or the retropectoralis minor space. This maneuver exerts direct stress to the mechanosensitive brachial plexus. According to Gilard et al. in the year 2001, it has a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 56%. Regarding the very low accuracy, the clinical value of this test is rather weak. To elicit the Tinel sign, have your patient sit upright with the arms at the side of his body. Then, the examiner taps onto the supraclavicular fossa with a reflex hammer or index and middle fingers. This test is positive if the patient reports tenderness or if the patient's familiar symptoms are reproduced. Be aware that it is unlikely that this test is able to distinguish between patients with cervical radiculopathy and TOS, as this test is probably positive in both conditions.
Our Clinical Patterns Database 📊🩺
Get a quick overview of common pathologies at a glance! Swipe in flashcards style to review more details on Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
A great learning tool or quick refresher when prepping for a patient.
Check it out for free on our app.
Link in bio
#Physiotutorsapp #Physiotutors #clinicalpatterns #learning #dpt
