Pectoralis Minor Tenotomy and Anterior Scalenotomy with Special Reference to the Hyperabduction Syndrome and "Effort Thrombosis" of the Subclavian Vein

Abstract

Symptoms referable to the subclavian vessels or lowermost cord of the brachial plexus are frequently seen following repeated or prolonged hyperabduction of the arms. The sites of compression are thought to be the point at which these neurovascular structures emerge from beneath the pectoralis minor tendon and the interval between the clavicle and the first rib. Five patients presenting the hyperabduction syndrome have been subjected to pectoralis minor tenotomy and anterior scalenotomy with a good result in four cases, indicating the potential value of the procedure in this particular shoulder girdle syndrome.