Thoracic outlet syndrome--a functional disturbance of the thoracic upper aperture?

We describe a young woman with typical neurovascular symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). A three-dimensional computerized scan showed a "dislocation" of the first rib at the costotransverse joint. The patient responded to a conservative approach to treatment. The patient presented here demonstrates the functional compromise of the upper thoracic aperture that is frequently seen in young women.