Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by a Cervical Rib: A Case Report

Cureus 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yonghyun Yoon, Ji Hyo Hwang, J S Lee, Jaewoo Lim, Teinny Suryadi, Anwar Suhaimi, S. I. Kim, Hyeongjik Kim, King Hei Stanley Lam
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.104595
Cited by: 1
References: 16

Abstract

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an underdiagnosed condition that is frequently misattributed to cervical spine pathology. Neurogenic TOS (nTOS), the most common subtype, often presents nonspecific upper extremity pain and paresthesia, making diagnosis challenging. We report a case of nTOS associated with a cervical rib that was successfully treated with ultrasound-guided hydrodissection (HD). Dynamic ultrasound examination demonstrated brachial plexus tethering with symptom reproduction. Serial HD resulted in immediate and sustained symptom relief, suggesting that this minimally invasive technique may represent a potential diagnostic adjunct and minimally invasive therapeutic option in carefully selected patients with cervical rib-associated nTOS.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Peripheral Nerve Disorders Pain Management and Treatment Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
e104595–e104595
Publication date
3 March 2026
Language
EN