Cervical Radiculoneuropathy

Abstract

Cervical radiculoneuropathy may be due to rupture of an intervertebral disc or spondylosis or a combination of these two processes. The so—called soft disc is caused by rupture of the posterior annulus fibrosis with herniation of the nucleus pulposus. Fig. 261 illustrates a typical laterally extruded disc. The posterior annulus fibrosis is weakest at its lateral extent and the posterior longitudinal ligament is thinnest over the lateral attachment of the annulus. As a result, most degenerated discs present with protrusion or extrusion in this area. Because the nerve root is stretched over this area on its way to the intervertebral foramen, only a minute amount of extruded disc material is necessary to produce symptoms and signs of radiculoneuropathy.