UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Cervical Radiculopathy

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: cervical, neck, radiculopathy (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/10/2010 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 12/18/2010)
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Cervical Radiculopathy

The most commonly affected level is C7 (31-81%), followed by C6 (19-25%), C8 (4-12%) and C5 (2-14%)

Anterior compression can selectively affect motor fibers

Posterior compression can selectively affect sensory fibers

-More common due to posterior lateral disc herniation or facet degeneration

Signs and symptoms: Sensory complaints (findings are in a root distribution) and possible weakness and reflex changes.

Wilbourn & Aminoff, 1998.