Cervical spondylosis

Question 1

Define spondylosis

Answer 1

Degeneration of IV disc due to trauma or ageing

Question 2

List three symptoms of cervical spondylosis

Answer 2

 Usually asympto
 Neck stiffness ± crepitus
 Stabbing / dull arm pain (brachialgia)
 Upper limb motor and sensory disturbances according
to compression level (often C7)
 Can → myelopathy c¯ quadraparesis and sphincter
dysfunction

Question 3

What is the rule about nerve root and disc level

Answer 3

The spinal nerves exit the cervical spine above their corresponding vertebral body level. For example, the C7 nerve root exits above C7 through the C6-C7 neural foramen. C8 exits in between T1 and C7, since there is no C8 vertebral body level.

Question 4

C5 nerve root damage. What is the motor weakness and sensory effect?

Answer 4

deltoid weakness

numb elbow

Question 5

C6 nerve root damage. What is the motor weakness and sensory effect?

Answer 5

biceps and brachioradialis

numb thumb and index finger

Question 6

C7 nerve root damage. What is the motor weakness and sensory effect?

Answer 6

triceps weakness

numb middle finger

Question 7

C8 nerve root damage. What is the motor weakness and sensory effect?

Answer 7

finger flexors

numb ring and little finger

Question 8

Imaging for cervical spondylosis?

Answer 8

MRI

Question 9

What is the conservative and medical management of cervical spondylosis?

Answer 9

stiff collar, analgesia
steroid injection transforaminal
surgerical decompression

Question 10

Two differentials for cervical spondylosis

Answer 10

MS

nerve root neurofibroma