Degenerative cervical radiculopathy most often affects which level?

Prepare for the Cervical Spine Orthopedics I Exam. Boost your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Ace your exam efficiently and confidently!

Multiple Choice

Degenerative cervical radiculopathy most often affects which level?

Explanation:
Mobility at this segment makes it the most common site for degenerative changes that pinch a nerve root. When the disc and uncovertebral joints degenerate at C5-C6, the exiting C6 nerve root is the one most often compressed. That leads to radicular symptoms following the C6 distribution: pain or paresthesias in the lateral forearm and thumb, plus motor findings like weakness of wrist extension and elbow flexion, with corresponding reflex changes. Because C5-C6 is the top spot for degenerative foraminal stenosis, it explains why symptoms most frequently arise at this level. Higher cervical levels and the C7-T1 junction are less commonly affected by typical degenerative radiculopathy.

Mobility at this segment makes it the most common site for degenerative changes that pinch a nerve root. When the disc and uncovertebral joints degenerate at C5-C6, the exiting C6 nerve root is the one most often compressed. That leads to radicular symptoms following the C6 distribution: pain or paresthesias in the lateral forearm and thumb, plus motor findings like weakness of wrist extension and elbow flexion, with corresponding reflex changes. Because C5-C6 is the top spot for degenerative foraminal stenosis, it explains why symptoms most frequently arise at this level. Higher cervical levels and the C7-T1 junction are less commonly affected by typical degenerative radiculopathy.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy