Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Year 3 > Radiculopathies (MSK) > Flashcards

Radiculopathies (MSK) Flashcards

1
Q

Define radiculopathy.

A

AKA pinched nerve root - a set of conditions where one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does radiculopathy differ from neuropathy?

A

Radiculopathies are issues with nerve roots, but neuropathies are issues with nerves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does radiculopathy come about?

A

When surrounding bone or tissue like cartilage, muscles or tendons put pressure on nerve and disrupt its function

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are some causes of radiculopathy? (8)

A
  • mechanical compression of nerve root
  • herniated disc
  • degenerative disc disease
  • spinal stenosis
  • osteoarthritis
  • facet joint degeneration/hypertrophy
  • cervical spondylosis
  • spondylolisthesis (vertebra moves and rests on vertebra below)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the most common type of radiculopathy?

A

Sciatica - compression of lumbosacral nerve roots forming sciatic nerve (L5, S1)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is sciatica (radiculopathy) most commonly caused by?

A

Herniated intravertebral disc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the clinical features of sciatica (radiculopathy)? (2)

A
  • pain and tingling radiating from lower back to ipsilateral leg
  • weakness in calf muscles
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How do we diagnose sciatica (radiculopathy)?

A

Straight leg raise test (pain on passive flexion of leg –> Lasegue’s sign)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How do we manage sciatica (radiculopathy)? (3)

A
  • physiotherapy
  • analgesia (NSAIDs)
  • if no improvement in Sx in 4-6 weeks –> refer to MRI
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the general clinical features of radiculopathy? (3)

A
  • pain starting in area where SC nerve roots are dysfunctional and radiates down to dermatome (shooting pain)
  • motor - LMN symptoms for muscles innervated by this spinal root e.g. hyporeflexia
    • biceps: C5, C6
    • triceps: C7, C8
    • knee: L3, L4
    • ankle: S1, S2
    • (C5, C6 pick up sticks. C7, C8, lay them straight. L3, L4, kick the door. S1, S2, buckle my shoes.)
  • sensory - dermatomal pattern of pain, numbness, tingling
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the clinical features of cervical radiculopathy? (3)

A
  • neck pain
  • headache
  • shoulder pain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which radiculopathy is scapular winging seen in?

A

C3/4 radiculopathy (affects C2-C4 discs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the clinical features of lumbosacral radiculopathy? (2)

A

Both worse on sitting:

  • lower back pain
  • leg pain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the features of L3 nerve root compression? (4)

A
  • sensory loss over anterior thigh
  • weak hip flexion, knee extension and hip adduction
  • reduced knee reflex
  • positive femoral stretch test
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the features of L4 nerve root compression? (4)

A
  • sensory loss anterior aspect of knee and medial malleolus
  • weak knee extension and hip adduction
  • reduced knee reflex
  • positive femoral stretch test
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the clinical features specific for L5 radiculopathy? (6)

A
  • sensory loss dorsum of foot and big toe
  • weakness in hip abduction, inversion of foot, big toe dorsiflexion
  • foot drop - weakness/paralysis of dorsiflexion and eversion of foot
  • lower back pain that shoots down the leg
  • reflexes intact
  • positive sciatic nerve stretch test
17
Q

What is L5 radiculopathy commonly caused by? (2)

A
  • lumbosacral disc herniation
  • common peroneal nerve lesion (secondary to compression at neck of fibula)
18
Q

What are the features of S1 nerve root compression? (4)

A
  • sensory loss posterolateral aspect of leg + lateral aspect of foot
  • weakness in plantar flexion of foot
  • reduced ankle reflex
  • positive sciatic nerve stretch test
19
Q

What are some risk factors for radiculopathy? (5)

A
  • age
  • overweight
  • poor posture
  • improper lifting technique
  • Fx degenerative bone conditions
20
Q

What scan can we do for radiculopathy and when?

A

MRI spine if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment (after 4-6 weeks)

21
Q

What might CT/MRI show in radiculopathy? (5)

A
  • nerve root compression by disc
  • osteophyte
  • tumour
  • root avulsion
  • enlarged epidural veins
22
Q

How can we assess nerve function in radiculopathy?

A

EMG - denervation in myotomal distribution BUT normal conduction velocity

23
Q

What examination can we do in clinic to test for sciatica (radiculopathy)?

A

Straight leg raise test (positive)

24
Q

What are some differential diagnoses for radiculopathy? (6)

A
  • diabetic amyotrophy
  • peripheral neuropathies
  • HIV
  • Herpes zoster/simplex
  • EBV, CMV, Lyme disease, leprosy
  • sarcoidosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis
25
Q

How do we manage radiculopathies?

A

Conservative treatment:

  • physiotherapy
  • lifestyle measures
  • NSAIDs +/- PPIs
  • steroid injections
26
Q

What do we do if radiculopathy symptoms persist after 4-6 weeks?

A

Refer for MRI

27
Q

When do we do surgery for radiculopathy?

A

Only if significant neurological deficits

Year 3 (203 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions