Functional Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial compression (vascular and neurogenic) syndromes both due to the fact it is difficult to diagnose and because of the lack of generally accepted standard procedures. It is estimated that this condition occurs in 10 out of 100 000 people, while clinical examinations reveal that arterial symptoms are more common than neurogenic ones. This work presents a pathogenesis of the functional type of the syndrome with regard to contemporary studies analysing the effects of currently applied forms of conservative treatment. The study presents arguments concerning the significance of proper diagnosis which makes it possible to individualise the therapy according to current trends in rehabilitation mentioned in the available literature and resulting from the authors’ own experience.