While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
Thomas P. Andriacchi, PhD
Dr. Thomas P. Andriacchi is an emeritus professor of mechanical engineering and orthopaedic surgery at Stanford University. Over the course of his 50+-year career, Dr. Andriacchi has led pioneering research on knee joint biomechanics, the progression of osteoarthritis, and functional markers of musculoskeletal disease. He is the president of SomaTX Design Inc. and brings extensive expertise in translating scientific discovery into clinical application. Contact: tandriac@somatxdesign.com.