First Rib Resection Versus Avulsion for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The management of thoracic outlet syndrome can be either surgical or nonsurgical. Fewer than 20% of patients experience benefits from nonsurgical treatments. Regarding the surgical approach, there's considerable debate about whether to resect the first rib or if a scalenectomy alone suffices. Recently, many experts have concurred on the resection of the first rib. Based on our observations, avulsion of the first rib results in improved outcomes and reduced post-operative pain compared to simple resection. Thus, this study aims to compare the outcomes of first rib resection versus its avulsion in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.