Ch. 17 Radiculopathy

Question 1

Definition of Radiculopathy

Answer 1

Pathological process affecting spinal nerve root

For i.e;
Disc prolapse - spinal stenosis - spondylosis - spondylolisthesis - inflammation.

Question 2

Extra-spinal causes of Radiculopathy

Answer 2

• Tumor (primary & secondary)
• Abscess, cyst
• Infection (herpes, HIV)
• Arachnoditis (injection, surgery)
• Diabetes

Question 3

Symptoms of Radiculopathy

Answer 3

• Radiating pain (distal > proximal)
• Parathesia
• Weakness
• Incontinence

Question 4

Examination of Radiculopathy

Answer 4

Radiculopathy > LMN

• Atrophy
• Weakness
• Sensory loss
• Decreased DTR

Question 5

Nerve root

Pain radiating / Reflex / Weakness

Answer 5

C5 : Shoulder and lateral arm / Biceps / Shoulder flexion and and and elbow flexion
C6 : Shoulder and radial arm / Brachioradialis / Elbow flexion, pronation and wrist extension
C7 : Shoulder and forearm / Triceps / Elbow extension
C8 : Medial arm and forearm / Triceps / Finger flexion and abduction
L4 : Anterior thigh, knee and medial calf / Patella / Knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion
L5 : Buttocks, lateral thigh and calf, dorsal root and big toe / Medial hamstring / Ankle dorsiflexion
S1 : Posterior thigh, calf and lateral-plantar foot / Achilis / Plantar flexion.