TOS complications?
 

I had the last 3/4 inch of both clavicles removed 40 yrs ago due to degeneration of the AC joint. This caused instant TOS as when I elevate my arms the clavicle doesn't elevate with the shoulder. Lately the nerves have been effected. Trying on a pullover wetsuit top led to a week of inflammed brachial nerves.

I am concerned with ominous alerts on the Internet about serious complications of TOS surgery and would like up to date feedback.

Is the surgery that difficult?

Acromioclavicular joint TOS origin
 

I am updating an earlier post. I wanted to see if I could find TOS patients whose origins come from surgery for arthritis of the AC joint. The surgery involves removal of the last part of the clavicle. Thus when the shoulder is elevated the clavicle remains down and compresses the vessels and nerves.

Therefore, this kind of TOS might be different than the other cases so I am looking for someone who has had this surgery and how their TOS has been treated.

I wondered why they couldn't rebuild the AC joint - perhaps replace the pulverized end of the clavicle with a metal endpiece thereby retuning function of the AC joint. Guess that just makes too much sense to me vs having ribs removed, etc.

So the question is, any folks out there have TOS via AC surgery?

hope you don't mind - I merged your 2 threads so it's easier for those that will reply.


I don't recall anyone posting specifically about AC problems before a TOS dx.
But I'm sure it can happen especially if a missed or incorrect dx and /or poor PT, or even poor positioning during the AC surgery - that can cause a stretch injury & TOS, or TOS like symptoms.

The baseball players that have had the surgery for TOS probably had shoulder injuries - but none have posted here.

I know I can't throw a ball over handed anymore.
I've had about 3 shoulder strain injuries due to repetitive job motions.
But no surgery and no specific AC problems.

Looking up the surgery for AC joints, the removal of the distal portion on the clavicle, mentions TOS as a possible complication. My surgeon, back in 1969, told me I'd have trouble performing task up over my head, but never specified why. It has always been that in seconds my arms go numb from lack of blood flow, but just recently the nerves have been getting compressed. No pain, but inflammed nerves running all the way down my arms.

Sounds like surgery for TOS is way too risky for the degree of problems I have so far. But the flow now is an issue just typing on the computer.