Musculoskeletal · UKMLA & AKT
Thoracic radiculopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise thoracic radiculopathy — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.