Identification of Three Anatomical Patterns of the Spinal Accessory Nerve in the Neck by Neurophysiological Mapping

Authors

  • Bostjan Lanisnik University Medical Hospital Maribor Department for ENT Maxillofacial Surgery Ljubljanska 5 2000 Maribor Slovenia
  • Miha Žargi University Clinic for ENT and Cervicofacial Surgery University Medical Center Ljubljana
  • Zoran Rodi Institute for Clinical Neurophyisiology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Abstract:

 

Background

In spite of preservation of the accessory nerve there is still considerable proportion of patients with partial nerve damage during modified radical neck dissection (MRND).

Methods

The nerve was identified during the surgery and its branches for the trapezius muscle mapped with nerve monitor.

Results

The accessory nerve was mapped during 74 neck dissections and three patterns were identified. In type 1 nerve exits at the posterior end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCm) and then it enters the level V (66%). In type 2 the nerve for trapezius muscle branches off before entering the SCm (22%). In type 3 the nerve exits at the posterior part of the SCm and it joins to the cervical plexus. The nerve than exits this junction as single trapezius branch more medially (12%).

Conclusions

The description of three anatomical patterns in level II and V could help preserving the trapezius branch during MRND.

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Published

2014-10-26

How to Cite

Lanisnik, B., Žargi, M., & Rodi, Z. (2014). Identification of Three Anatomical Patterns of the Spinal Accessory Nerve in the Neck by Neurophysiological Mapping. Radiology and Oncology, 48(4). Retrieved from https://www.radioloncol.com/index.php/ro/article/view/1991

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 4 (2014)

Section

Clinical oncology

License

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