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Bone Spine

C5 Vertebra

vertebra cervicalis V

C5 is the most commonly fractured cervical vertebra in flexion injuries. The C5 nerve root is associated with deltoid and biceps function, making it a critical level for assessment after cervical trauma.

Region: Spine
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

C5 is the most common level of cervical spondylotic myelopathy because the spinal canal is narrowest here relative to cord size. C4-C5 disc herniation produces C5 radiculopathy (deltoid and biceps weakness, lateral arm numbness). Post-laminectomy C5 palsy from cord drift with decompression at this level is a recognised complication of cervical decompression surgery.

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