The incidence of impingement syndrome in cases of cervical radiculopathy: An analysis of 220 cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We hypothesized that cervical radiculopathy (CR) has a role in subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) etiology, which cannot be directly connected to anatomical causes.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to investigate the presence of cervical radiculopathy in patients with SAIS diagnosed clinically and radiologically.

METHODS:

Patients who had a clinical and radiological SAIS diagnosis between 2014 and 2016 were included in the study. Patients with secondary causes that led to SAIS were excluded. Cervical MRI of all patients with SAIS was examined for cervical radiculopathy.

RESULTS:

A significant ( $p<$ 0.05) relationship was found between SIAS and the presence of root compression on the same side. 35% of the patients with SIAS had root compression on the same side.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cervical radiculopathy and shoulder impingement syndrome can be easily confused due to the similarity of the symptoms and the anatomical proximity of the lesions. Although both diseases can occur with different mechanisms, we believe that there is a cause and effect relationship between them.