Cervical spondylosis — UKMLA Revision Notes

Cervical spondylosis is an important clinical condition in Musculoskeletal that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Cervical spondylosis as outlined in current NICE guidelines.

Key Facts

Cervical spondylosis is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
Commonly tested in the Musculoskeletal section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios

Investigations

X-ray of affected joint
FBC, CRP, ESR
Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP
ANA, dsDNA
Joint aspiration
MRI joint

Management

Analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs)
Physiotherapy and exercise
DMARDs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine) for inflammatory arthritis
Biologics (anti-TNF) if refractory
Rheumatology outpatient follow-up
Orthopaedic referral if surgical intervention needed

Practice 2+ Cervical spondylosis Questions

Test your knowledge with SBA questions on Cervical spondylosis and all 430 UKMLA Content Map conditions. Instant feedback, NICE guideline explanations, and spaced repetition included.