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| | THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS) |
 | | Thoracic outlet syndrome is a term describing compression of the nerves (brachial plexus) and/or the vessels (subclavian artery and vein) to the upper limb. |
 | | The thoracic outlet is bounded by several structures: the anterior and middle scalene muscles, the first rib, the clavicle, and, at a lower point, by the tendon of the pectoralis minor muscle. |
 | | Since the thoracic outlet is a closed space, any intrusion or swelling such as from a fractured clavicle, hypertrophied or spasming muscle or tumor can lead to static compression of the structures that pass through that space. |
| www.cwce.com /feinbergarticles/tos.htm (3520 words) |
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