Four major syndromes have specific characteristics and diagnostic tests

by Elaine Wallace, DO

[There are few syndromes seen by the busy family practitioner that better demonstrate the osteopathic interrelationship of structure and function than does Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is actually a group of upper extremity impingement syndromes involving the neurovascular bundle of the arm that are logical in progression, easy to diagnose and easy to help.

The thoracic outlet is the upper lid (operculum) of the chest cage, so named because it is the site from which the arterial flow of the thorax flows out. Actually, more things flow into the thorax at the operculum than out, including venous flow, ascending and descending terminal ducts of the lymphatic system, the vagus nerve, the phrenic nerve and parts of the brachial plexus, the esophagus and the trachea.]
http://www.osteochile.net/FREtude%201.htm