Improved technique for harvesting the accessory nerve for transfer in brachial plexus injuries

The accessory nerve is frequently used as a donor for nerve transfer in brachial plexus injuries. In currently available techniques, nerve identification and dissection is difficult because fat tissue, lymphatic vessels, and blood vessels surround the nerve. We propose a technique for location and dissection of the accessory nerve between the deep cervical fascia and the trapezius muscle.

Twenty-eight patients with brachial plexus palsy had the accessory nerve surgically transplanted to the suprascapular nerve. To harvest the accessory nerve, the anterior border of the trapezius muscle was located 2 to 3 cm above the clavicle. The fascia over the trapezius muscle was incised and detached from the anterior surface of the muscle, initially, close to the clavicle, then proximally. The trapezius muscle was detached from the clavicle for 3 to 4 cm. The accessory nerve and its branches entering the trapezius muscle were identified. The accessory nerve was sectioned as distally as possible. To allow for accessory nerve mobilization, one or two proximal branches to the trapezius muscle were cut. The most proximal branch was always identified and preserved. A tunnel was created in the detached fascia, and the accessory nerve was passed through this tunnel to the brachial plexus.

In all of the cases, the accessory nerve was easily identified under direct vision, without the use of electric stimulation. Direct coaptation of the accessory nerve with the suprascapular nerve was possible in all patients.

The technique proposed here for harvesting the accessory nerve for transfer made its identification and dissection easier.