hyperabduction syndrome; pectoralis minor syndrome

Etiology

• prolonged or repetitive hyperabduction of the arm

Pathology

• stretching of the nerves & vascular bundles that run between the pectoralis minor tendon & the corocoid process

* the subclavian artery, subclavian vein, & some brachial plexus nerves pass under the insertion of the pectoralis minor on the corocoid process

Clinical manifestations

• paresthesias, clumbsiness, weakness especially with arms above head

Management

• stretching all of the chest muscles
• also stretching trapezius, neck muscles, upper back muscles, & rhomboid muscles
• massage therapy

More general terms

• entrapment neuropathy; nerve entrapment syndrome; pinched nerve
• syndrome

Additional terms

• abduction
• pectoralis minor