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Radiculopathy caused by spinal spondylosis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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There are two types of radiculopathy caused by spinal degenerative processes:

  • compressive neuropathy:
    • disc herniation
    • osteophyte formation
    • cause compression of the nerve roots
    • treatment is to relieve compression:
      • laminectomy
      • discectomy

  • non-compressive neuropathy:
    • disc degeneration
    • is a biochemical rather than a biomechanical disorder with substance P and fibrinolysis playing a role
    • treatment consists of complete removal of the disc with fusion of the anterior or posterior (or both) vertebral bodies

There is often a mixed picture of compressive and non-compressive pathology in a degenerate spine (1).

Reference:

  • Sella, E.J. Noncompressive spinal radiculitis. Orthopaedic Review. 1992, 21(7), 827-32.

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