Results of excision of a cervical rib in patients with the thoracic outlet syndrome

Excision of a cervical rib in patients with the thoracic outlet syndrome has been the subject of debate. One surgeon's experience of 23 cervical rib excisions is presented. Ten operations produced a complete cure, eleven improvement, and two no change in the patient's condition. Of 15 cases with neurological symptoms alone, 9 were cured, 5 improved and 1 was not helped; in contrast, of 8 patients with vascular symptoms, 1 was cured, 6 were improved and 1 was not helped. We conclude that cervical rib resection is the correct treatment for patients whose symptoms are predominantly neurological. Rib resection alone may not be sufficient in patients with vascular symptoms. The management of a cervical rib with vascular involvement is discussed.