Spine Surgeons Sometimes Confuse Neck and Elbow Nerve Issues (Small Survey)

Overview

Paper Summary › Explain Like I'm Five › Conflicts of Interest › Identified Limitations › Rating Explanation › Good to know › Topic Hierarchy › File Information ›

Paper Summary

Paperzilla title

In a small survey of 24 spine surgeons attending a cervical spine course, many could not differentiate between C8-T1 radiculopathies (neck nerve issues) and ulnar neuropathy (elbow nerve issues) based on sensory and motor function. Only 63% correctly identified the sensory distribution of the ulnar nerve, and none could identify all the hand muscles controlled by C8-T1 without also naming incorrect ones.

Explain Like I'm Five

A survey revealed that spine surgeons may not always know the difference between nerve issues in the neck and pinched nerves in the elbow. This matters for diagnosis and deciding on the right treatment.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Limitations

Small sample size

The sample size of the study was relatively small, comprising only 24 spine surgeons. This limits the generalizability of the findings and may not accurately represent the knowledge base of the broader spine surgeon population.

Selection bias

The study participants were all attendees of a cervical spine course, potentially creating a selection bias. Surgeons specializing in other areas of the spine might have different levels of familiarity with upper extremity neuroanatomy.

Self-reported data

The study relied on a self-administered questionnaire, which can be subject to response bias and may not accurately reflect participants' true knowledge or clinical practice.

Rating Explanation

This study highlights an important knowledge gap among spine surgeons, but the small sample size, selection bias, and reliance on self-reported data limit the generalizability of the findings. The methodology is appropriate for a preliminary investigation, but further research with a larger and more diverse sample is needed to confirm these findings.

Good to know

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Health Sciences

Field: Medicine

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

File Information

Original Title: Differentiating C8-T1 Radiculopathy from Ulnar Neuropathy: A Survey of 24 Spine Surgeons

Uploaded: August 18, 2025 at 05:39 PM

Privacy: Public