This study will determine the value of TOD (first rib resection with partial scalenectomy and neurolysis) on functionality and quality of life for patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. This will be done by randomizing patients into surgery or conservative therapy (physiotherapy and pain relief).

Background:

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is a condition caused by compression and irritation of the brachial plexus serving the upper extremity. NTOS most frequently occurs in relatively young, active and otherwise healthy individuals and can have a tremendous impact on work, social and personal life. The diagnosis and therapy of NTOS still remains disputed. This is partly because diagnosis is largely clinical and subjective in nature, with no definitive (diagnostic) imaging or diagnostic studies available. As a result, disparities in the definition have produced different opinions regarding diagnostic standards for TOS. Furthermore, given the controversy surrounding the definition and diagnosis of TOS, conflict exists regarding the optimal treatment approach for this condition.

Studies in the last years, have shed light on some of the controversies in diagnosing and treating NTOS. Many patients that benefit from thoracic outlet decompression (TOD) do not fit the historical diagnostic criteria. Those patients (up to 90%) with disputed NTOS have shown improvement of symptoms and functionality after TOD surgery.

Recently, several studies have been published about outcome after TOD surgery for NTOS. These large, multicenter studies show a very low complication rate, ranging from 0-2%, with an extremely low risk of nerve injury.

These studies however report on heterogenous populations, diagnosed without any internationally validated diagnostic criteria. They hint beneficial results for TOD in NTOS patients, however the level of evidence they provide is low. Critics have wondered if the improvements - reported in these trials - are attributed to surgery, or are merely due to coincidence, selection bias, conservative treatment or time (rest).

The society of vascular surgery published reporting standards in 2016 to produce consistency in diagnosis, description of treatment and assessment of results to allow more valuable data to be reported. The investigators believe that a randomized controlled trial - using the reporting standards- could demonstrate the actual added value of a TOD (first rib resection with partial scalenectomy and neurolysis).

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the value of TOD (first rib resection with partial scalenectomy and neurolysis) on functionality and quality of life. This will be done by randomizing patients who already received conservative physiotherapy into surgery or continued conservative therapy (physiotherapy and pain relief). After 3 months, the patients with continued maximum conservative therapy will be offered surgery as well if complaints persist. The effect of TOD will be examined by following the change in functionality and quality of life compared to conservative physiotherapy. The durability of these effects on functional assessment and quality of life will also be examined by following patients for 5 years.

Study design:

Single center randomized controlled trial

Study population:

All patients diagnosed with NTOS refractory to conservative physiotherapy treatment (based on criteria produced by the reporting standards) and considered to benefit from TOD in a multidisciplinary TOS-consensus group are considered candidates for this study.

Intervention:

Patients will be randomized into surgery (TOD) versus conservative physiotherapy. The group randomised for conservative physiotherapy will be offered surgical therapy after 3 months if complaints persist.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

Primary endpoint is DASH SCORE. This endpoint will be measured with the DASH questionnaire (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Secondary endpoints will be the score on the CBSQ, VAS scale and SF 12. These endpoints will be measured with the CBSQ questionnaire (Cervical-Brachial Symptoms Questionnaire), VAS scale (Visual Analogue Scale for Pain) and SF 12 (Short Form 12 questionnaire)

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness:

All patients are operated with the same technique and by the same operator. There is a delay of 3 months for half of the subjects (control group), which is relative due to the early operation (in comparison with the existing waiting list for regular TOD of around 3 months) of the group that is randomised for TOD. There is no denial of 'optimal medical treatment' for any of the participating subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• High suspicion of NTOS with high level of impairment.

  • The decision to refer a patient with NTOS for surgery is placed at the sole authority of the TOS multidisciplinary workgroup. Members of this workgroup are 2 dedicated vascular surgeons, 2 neurologists, 1 orthopedic surgeon, 3 physiotherapists, 2 radiologists, 3 anesthesiologists.
  • This decision is based on the reporting standards published by Illig et al. in 2016. If a patient fits the criteria postulated in the reporting standards and if there is consensus within the multidisciplinary team, only then patients are referred for TOD.

• Fit for surgery, at the discretion of the treating vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist.

• Signed informed consent form.

• 18 years of age or older

• Dutch or English speaking patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unfit for surgery, at the discretion of the treating vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist.
• Younger than 18 years of age
• Patients that do not speak Dutch or English.
• Patients with a history of TOD
• Patients that did not receive previous conservative physiotherapy for this condition