Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Volleyball Player Due to Nonunion of the First Rib Fracture

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2016 Nov;50(8):563-565. doi: 10.1177/1538574416674642. Epub 2016 Oct 23.

Abstract

Fracture of the first rib with ensuing callus formation is a rare cause of thoracic outlet syndrome. We report a case of a 17-year-old female volleyball player who presented with months of chronic arm pain. Radiographic imaging demonstrated nonunion fracture of the first rib. Physical therapy had been unsuccessful in relieving the pain, and surgical management was performed with resection of the first rib through a transaxillary approach with complete resolution of symptoms. Inflammation surrounding such fractures may destroy tissue planes, making dissection more technically difficult.

Keywords: athletic injury; first rib fracture; thoracic outlet syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bony Callus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bony Callus* / surgery
  • Chronic Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Fractures, Ununited / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Ununited / etiology*
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Humans
  • Osteotomy
  • Recovery of Function
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / etiology*
  • Rib Fractures / surgery
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / etiology*
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Volleyball / injuries*