In thoracic outlet syndrome, arm symptoms most commonly follow which pathway?

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Multiple Choice

In thoracic outlet syndrome, arm symptoms most commonly follow which pathway?

In thoracic outlet syndrome, symptoms most often follow the distribution of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8–T1), which forms the ulnar nerve. This nerve travels down the medial side of the arm and forearm and into the hand, giving sensory input to the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger and controlling several intrinsic hand muscles. So, when TOS compresses this region, the most common pattern is numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the medial arm into the fourth and fifth fingers. This medial, ulnar distribution distinguishes it from patterns that would involve other nerves or lateral/upper-extremity pathways.

In thoracic outlet syndrome, symptoms most often follow the distribution of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8–T1), which forms the ulnar nerve. This nerve travels down the medial side of the arm and forearm and into the hand, giving sensory input to the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger and controlling several intrinsic hand muscles. So, when TOS compresses this region, the most common pattern is numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the medial arm into the fourth and fifth fingers. This medial, ulnar distribution distinguishes it from patterns that would involve other nerves or lateral/upper-extremity pathways.

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