Musculoskeletal · UKMLA & AKT
Thoracic radiculopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Each thoracic nerve root exits below its corresponding vertebra (e.g. T6 root exits below T6, between T6 and T7)
- C8 nerve root is the only cervical root that exits below its named vertebra (below C7, between C7 and T1) - all other cervical roots exit above their named vertebra
- Thoracic dermatomes form horizontal bands around the thorax and abdomen - key to localisation and explains why thoracic radiculopathy mimics visceral disease
C8 radiculopathy: weakness of DIP flexion, MCP flexion/extension, and elbow extension (shared C7/C8); reduced pin-prick over medial hand/little finger. Caused by C7-T1 disc herniation - the most common acute pathology.
Unlock the full Thoracic radiculopathy revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (5 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), practice questions, mock exams and Sal, the AI tutor. Start free.