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Why NBA Star Markelle Fultz is the Perfect Example of The Importance of a Second Opinion

Markelle Fultz has Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, has finally been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and will miss 3-6 weeks to receive physical therapy treatment.

When Fultz was drafted, he looked like one of the best prospects in recent years. Although it seemed like overnight he lost his ability to shoot. His shooting form went from nearly perfect, to almost cringe-worthy to watch. It has taken over a year for him to be properly diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.

What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the area between your collarbone and first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause numbness or pain, and also explain why Markelle Fultz was not able to lift his arms properly to shoot a basketball.

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Symptoms for thoracic outlet syndrome include pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand/fingers. While these symptoms are very noticeable to the person injured, they can also be symptoms of other injuries and disorders unrelated to thoracic outlet syndrome. That is why it is crucial to have a neuroradiologist that is an expert review your MRI to properly diagnosis you. A misdiagnosis can cause serious permanent damage and require a surgery that could have been avoided with an early and correct diagnosis.

If you think you might be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome, or have been having trouble with getting a proper diagnosis for any injury you can upload your MRIs and get a second opinion from an expert radiologist today on DocPanel.

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