Prevalence of cervical and lumbosacral compressive radiculopathies in Qena governorate/Egypt: Population-based survey

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to estimate the crude prevalence rate (CPR) of compressive radiculopathies in Qena governorate/Egypt. Patients and methods 10 areas in Qena governorate were selected by random sampling, involving 9303 inhabitants with 57.3% urban residents and 42.7% rural residence. Patients were diagnosed using a screening questionnaire for the diagnosis of cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathies. All positive cases were referred to Qena University Hospital where they underwent full neurological examination, neuro-imaging, and neurophysiological investigations. Results Out of 9303 inhabitants included in the study (1057 families), 49 cases were recruited positive on initial survey and 32 cases were confirmed after clinical examination, neuroimaging and neurophysiological examinations, giving a CPR of 10.1/1000 in those aged over 30 years. Compressive radiculopathy was more common in males than females (13 versus 6/1000) and in rural than urban populations (15 versus 7/1000). No cases were recruited below 30 years old. The highest age specific prevalence was at ≥60 years with a CPR of 26/1000. 11 cases had cervical radiculopathy while 21 cases had lumbosacral radiculopathy (CPR of 3.7 and 6.6/1000 respectively). The highest age specific CPR for males was earlier than females at 50–59 versus ≥60 years. Conclusion The overall CPR of compressive radiculopathy in the general population in Qena governorate/Egypt is similar for cervical radiculopathy but higher for lumbosacral radiculopathy than a previous Egyptian study but mid-way compared to other countries.