Measurement of subclavicular pressure on the subclavian artery and brachial plexus in the costoclavicular space during provocative positioning for thoracic outlet syndrome

Background  

Thoracic outlet syndrome is thought to be caused by compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery in the interscalene, costoclavicular, or subcoracoid space. Some provocative tests are widely used for diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome. However, whether provocative positions actually compress the neurovascular bundle in these spaces remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of neurovascular bundle compression in the costoclavicular space by measuring the pressure applied to the brachial plexus and subclavian artery in provocative positions.