radiculopathy caused by spinal spondylosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
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.