Best Practice Case Studies-Paget-Schroetter Syndrome in Athletes: A Comprehensive and Systematic Review

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The document discusses vascular problems prevalent in elite throwing athletes like baseball players. Although vascular injuries are less common than muscle sprains, they pose critical threats to the career and health of athletes. Specific conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), axillary artery compression, quadrilateral space syndrome (QSS), hypothenar hammer syndrome, and repetitive finger trauma are explored in detail.<br /><br />Thoracic outlet syndrome, especially the arterial variant (aTOS), involves the compression of the subclavian artery and may result from anatomical abnormalities or repetitive motion injuries due to athletic activities like throwing. Symptoms often mimic muscular issues, thus complicating early diagnosis. Athletes with suspected aTOS generally undergo imaging for diagnosis and may require surgical intervention if conservative measures fail.<br /><br />Another condition, Paget-Schroetter syndrome or venous TOS (vTOS), results from vigorous overhead arm use leading to subclavian vein compression. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, and the standard approach involves surgical decompression with anticoagulation therapy.<br /><br />Quadrilateral space syndrome (QSS) involves compression of the posterior humeral circumflex artery. Symptomatic athletes may exhibit claudication and ischemia, necessitating intervention like artery ligation.<br /><br />Injuries like hypothenar hammer syndrome arise from trauma to the ulnar artery due to repetitive hand activities. Management includes lifestyle changes and medical therapy, with surgery as a last resort.<br /><br />The paper recommends vigilance in diagnosing these vascular pathologies to avert permanent damage and outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for such conditions. Emphasizing imaging techniques and surgical procedures, the article highlights the need for a high suspicion index to prevent irreversible harm in athletes prone to these vascular complications.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 57

Topic Vascular

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 57

3rd Edition

Vascular

vascular problems

elite athletes

thoracic outlet syndrome

axillary artery compression

quadrilateral space syndrome

hypothenar hammer syndrome

Paget-Schroetter syndrome

subclavian artery

imaging techniques

surgical intervention