Introduction

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingForeword/postscript

Abstract

Although problems eventually known as TOS were known since the mid-nineteenth century, the term "thoracic outlet syndrome" was coined by Peet and colleagues in 1956 [1]. Interest in this group of relatively rare but potentially debilitating conditions was heightened by the introduction of new surgical techniques for treatment in the 1960s, along with controversies over definitions, diagnosis, treatments, complications, and outcomes [2, 3]. This interest is reflected in a steady increase in publications related to TOS over the following decades, continuing to the current day (Fig. 1.1), while introduction and utilization of the term "disputed TOS" only served to emphasize the ongoing controversies [4, 5]. A valuable critique of the field was presented in a Cochrane systematic review published in 2010 (updated in 2014), which served as a critical "call to arms" for those interested in these conditions: "This review was complicated by a lack of generally accepted diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of TOS... There is no evidence from RCTs [randomized clinical trials] for the use of... currently used treatments. There is a need for an agreed definition for the diagnosis of TOS, especially the disputed form, agreed outcome measures, and high quality randomized trials that compare the outcome of interventions with no treatment and with each other" [6, 7].

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThoracic Outlet Syndrome
Subtitle of host publicationSecond Edition
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages1-4
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9783030550738
ISBN (Print)9783030550721
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 25 2021

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