In early June 2023, a Kansas City Royals’ right-hand pitcher (RHP) named Josh Staumont was placed on the injured list (IL) due to a neck strain. While he was anticipated to come back at some point in late June or early July, his health situation ended up being more significant than initially thought. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Staumont was placed on the 60-day IL on July 14 after being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition tends to be more prevalent in athletes. 

Just one day after the announcement that Staumont would be placed on the IL, Royals beat writer Anne Rogers shared that he would be undergoing TOS surgery. Typically, TOS can be treated or managed using physical therapy, pain medication, and thrombolytic medications. Surgery is often only used in severe cases or when other treatments are not effective. However, given that Staumont is an athlete who needs to recover so that he can get back on the field, surgery seems like the best option. 

Since Staumont will need recovery time, this is most likely a season-ending procedure. We wish him a safe and comfortable recovery and hope to see him back striking out batters again next year. 

A Mission to Understand Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to a group of disorders in which nerves and blood vessels in the lower neck or upper chest area (thoracic outlet) become injured, irritated, or compressed. This compression usually results from a rib, collarbone, or neck muscle. TOS is more common in people between ages 20 to 50, as well as females. If you have a cervical rib, are pregnant, have repetitive injuries, or were in a car accident, you also have a higher risk of developing this condition. If you have TOS, you may notice that your grip is weaker than normal. Your neck, shoulder, hand, or arm may feel numb, painful, or tingling. Other symptoms include a bluish discoloration of the hand, swelling and pain in your arm, blood clots, arm fatigue, and cold hands, fingers, or arms.