OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects and mechanisms of fixed-point release with small needle knife for the treatment of upper plexus thoracic outlet syndrome.

METHODSAmong 32 patients, 22 patients were female, and 10 patients were male, ranging in age from 25 to 55 years. The disease course ranged from one month to 3 years. All the patients were unilateral thoracic outlet syndrome. The painful trabs at the facet joints of C(5,6) and infraspinatus muscle were fixed-point released one to four times every week.

RESULTSAll the patients relieved pain immediately after treatment. Among 26 patients with decreased muscle strength before operation, 20 patients got muscle strength improved after treatment immediately. Among 18 patients with touch and pain sensation compromised, 8 patients got the sensation improved after operation. All the patients were followed up for 1 year. According to Wood evaluation criterion, 19 patients got an excellent result, 7 good, 3 poor, and 3 bad. One patient was transferred to operation. There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONFixed-point release with small needle knife for the treatment of upper plexus thoracic outlet syndrome is safe and curative.