Paralysis of the trapezius: a case report

A patient was referred to physical therapy for exercises to the right shoulder secondary to a peripheral nerve injury involving the spinal accessory nerve. A treatment program was designed to accommodate for lack of upward scapula rotation, which is necessary for elevation of the upper extremity above shoulder level. During the course of two and a half years of care, a variety of associated problems were encountered. There was no apparent nerve regeneration, and the patient was left with limited mobility of the affected upper extremity.