If a patient has radiculopathy related to a C7 nerve root, which distribution is likely affected?

• A. Affects the middle finger sensory distribution and finger extension
• B. Affects the index finger sensory distribution
• C. Affects the palm and wrist flexion
• D. Affects the ring finger sensory distribution

Answer: (A)

C7 radiculopathy shows sensory loss in the middle finger and weakness of finger extension because the C7 nerve root supplies the middle finger dermatome and the muscles that extend the fingers. The middle finger is classically mapped to the C7 distribution, and finger extension (testable via resisting extension of the fingers) reflects the C7 myotome.

By contrast, the index finger’s sensory area is primarily C6, the ring finger aligns with C8, and wrist flexion involves multiple roots rather than being specific to C7. So the combination of middle finger sensation and finger extension best fits a C7 radiculopathy.