presentation with respect to different levels involved

Last reviewed 01/2018

The presentation of cervical spondylosis varies with site of the lesion:

• most frequently affected intervertebral joint is C5/C6 - this characteristically causes loss in sensation over the thumb and a reduced biceps reflex. An inverted brachioradialis reflex may be present: there is a loss of the supinator reflex with finger flexion.
• C7/C8/T1 - loss of sensation over little finger, weakness of flexor carpi ulnaris
• C6/C7 - loss of sensation over middle finger, weakness of extension of elbow - triceps - and a reduced triceps reflex
• C4/C5 - loss of sensation over elbow, weakness of abduction of arm