thoracic outlet syndrome

noun

: any of a group of disorders that are marked by the compression of nerves (such as the brachial plexus) or blood vessels (such as the subclavian artery or vein) as they pass from the neck toward the armpit or proximal arm through a space in the upper thorax between the clavicle and the first rib and that typically result in pain, numbness, weakness, or cold sensitivity in the affected area

In August his arm suddenly went numb; he was shelled in two appearances before doctors figured out he was suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition in which his first rib was pressing upon an artery.

—Tom Verducci

The repetitive overhand motion done by weightlifters, gymnasts, swimmers and more, occasionally results in thoracic outlet syndrome …

—Steve Wood

—abbreviation TOS

Examples of thoracic outlet syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can cause a condition doctors refer to as thoracic outlet syndrome. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

After multiple doctor visits and MRIs, Hoffmann was finally diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome two months ago. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

They should also get evaluated for a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which can sometimes be caused by an extra rib or connective tissue and can be treated with surgery, Dr. Cameron adds. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Fultz’s career was nearly derailed by a severe shoulder injury that was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects nerves between the neck and shoulder. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025

What ultimately was thoracic outlet syndrome, a one-of-a-kind instance for an NBA player, Fultz was originally misdiagnosed and tried to play through the injury with Philadelphia. —Evan Sidery, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

In addition to physical therapy and other conservative measures, your healthcare provider might prescribe blood thinners to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

She was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, where there isn’t enough space for the blood vessels or nerves between ribs and collarbone. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2024

He was shut down midway through his rookie year for Tommy John surgery, had carpal tunnel surgery in 2020 and has dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome since 2022. —Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thoracic outlet syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

thoracic outlet syndrome

noun

: any of a group of neurovascular disorders that are marked by the compression of nerves (such as the brachial plexus) or blood vessels (such as the subclavian artery or vein) as they pass from the neck toward the arm through the thoracic outlet and that typically result in pain, numbness, weakness, or cold sensitivity in the neck, shoulders, or arms

Note: Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome are anatomical anomalies (such as a cervical rib), traumatic injuries, or repetitive arm and shoulder movements.

—abbreviation TOS