Thoracic radiculopathy related to collapsed thoracic vertebral bodies

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 404 - 406
• Main Author: Liveson, J A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-04-1984; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Electromyography; Female; Fractures, Bone - complications; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Lumbar Vertebrae - injuries; Male; Medical sciences; Muscles - innervation; Polyradiculopathy - diagnosis; Spinal Nerve Roots - injuries; Thoracic Vertebrae - injuries; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Dorsal spine; Radicular syndrome; Fracture; Trauma; Diseases of the osteoarticular system
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.47.4.404

Three cases are presented of thoracic radiculopathy related to collapsed thoracic vertebral bodies. In all cases proximal weakness of the legs was present, leading to the diagnosis of myopathy in two cases. Sensory symptoms were present in two cases. In one, anterior thigh paresthesias lead to a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica. This diagnostic entity must be remembered if appropriate corroborative tests are to be performed. In cases of trauma this diagnosis should be considered if thoracic vertebral collapse is present. Conversely, an evaluation of proximal weakness should include a review of thoracic radiographs for vertebral collapse, especially in the presence of sensory findings in the lower abdominal or proximal thigh region.