Conclusion

Our study shows that a substantial amount of nTOS patients profited from microsurgical decompressive surgery via the supraclavicular approach without routine first rib resection. This benefit was present not only for pain and neurological function but had substantial impact on health-related QoL as well as on self-care, ability to perform usual activities, pain, and anxiety. After nTOS surgery via the supraclavicular approach without routine first rib resection, QoL levels comparable to those of the general population were reached. Whether the careful selection process according to recent consensus statements contributes to the favourable outcome in our series remains speculative at this point.