Investigation of C5 –C6 radiculopathy and shoulder rotator cuff lesions coexistence frequency

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the coexistence of C5 and/or C6 root compression with rotator cuffpathologies and its effect on pain and disability.METHODS: A total of 65 patients with pain radiating from neck to shoulder were retrospectively evaluated on the basis ofdemographic data, duration of symptoms, overhead activities, and physical examination. The visual numerical scale (VNS),Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were also used.Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate C5–C6 root compression, which was separated into twogroups as patients with or without upper trunk root compression (UTRC). These groups were compared according to the MRIfindings of patients with rotator cuff pathologies.RESULTS: According to our results, C5 root compression (12.3%), C6 root compression (41.5%), UTRC (44.6%) were detected. There was no difference between the groups regarding the Hawkins and Neer tests. The Yergason and Jobe testswere statistically higher in patients without UTRC. In the shoulder MRIs, the rate of subscapular muscle tear was significantlyhigher in patients with UTRC. Other shoulder MRI findings were not different between the groups. VNS-neck and SPADI-painscores were significantly higher in patients without UTRC. There was no difference between the groups in the scores of VNSshoulder, Quick DASH, SPADI-disability, and SPADI-total.CONCLUSION: Radiating pain from neck to shoulder that is caused by C5–C6 root compression does not create a predisposition for clinical, radiologic, and functional pathologies in shoulder joint. It seems difficult to diagnose the exact origin ofpain in patients who present with neck pain radiating to shoulder based on the findings of cervical or shoulder MRI alone.