subaxial spine

Cervical Radiculopathy

Definition

 

Clinical diagnosis

- based on a sclerotomal distribution of motor &/or sensory symptoms or signs

 

Caused by impingement of exiting nerve roots

- HNP

- zygo-apophyseal / facet joint hypertrophy

- neuro-central joint hypertrophy

 

May be acute or chronic

 

Epidemiology

 

M>F

 

Peak age 50-54

 

C7 > C6

 

Smith Robinson Approach

Via the carotid triangle

 

SCM / posterior belly digastric / superior belly omohyoid

 

Indication

 

Exposes inferior body C2 - T1

 

Position

 

1.  Supine in tongs

2.  Sit on head board with head taped and slightly extended

 

Table 30° up

Turn head away from side of incision

 

Which Side