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 syndromeSteve Wood
abbreviation TOS

Examples of thoracic outlet syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jefferies was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, requiring season-ending surgery. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Last month, it was revealed pitcher Stephen Strasburg was finished playing after a string of injuries and thoracic outlet syndrome. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2023 Per the complaint filed in Tuscaloosa Country Circuit court on March 10, Bennett unknowingly broke a rib during strength training after arriving on campus which led to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOC). Nick Alvarez | Nalvarez@al.com, al, 15 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thoracic outlet syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoracic outlet syndrome was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near thoracic outlet syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Thoracic outlet syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoracic%20outlet%20syndrome. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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