The Elbow

C-8 Nerve root lesion

Disorders

Disco-radicular:
posterolateral protrusion of the C7 disc (disc between vertebrae C7 and D1)
may compress the C8 nerve root .
However, a disco radicular compression at this level is extremely rare.
Metastasis in the C7 or D1 vertebra:
Usually the nerve roots C7 and /or D1 are also affected. A combined
involvement C7-C8-D1 is very suggestive of malignant disease.
Traction-palsy of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. This also
affects the fibres derived from the C7 and/or D1 nerve roots

Symptoms and signs

Pain is felt at the inferior part of the scapular region and the ulnar
aspect of the hand, over the middle, ring and little fingers and the ulnar
and distal aspect of the forearm.
Pins and needles are experienced in the middle, ring and little fingers.

Weakness of the thumb extension is obvious.

Also the ulnar deviation of the thumb is weak (flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi ulnaris)

Treatment

dependent on the cause and the severity of the lesion