Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
10:11
Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
12.8K
A novel method of finding accessory nerve during head and neck surgery
G Ozyigit1, H B Cobanoğlu2, S Arslan1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.
Summary
This study identified key anatomical predictors for spinal accessory nerve (SAN) damage during neck dissection. Understanding these relationships can help surgeons better avoid SAN injury in head and neck cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) damage is a risk during neck dissection.
- Accurate anatomical knowledge is crucial for preventing nerve injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neck morphological measurements and their relationship with the SAN.
- To identify anatomical factors that predict SAN damage during neck dissection.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 80 patients undergoing neck dissection for head and neck malignancy.
- Performed neck morphological measurements and analyzed relationships with the SAN.
Main Results:
- Positive correlation found between SAN distance and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle thickness.
- Increased mastoid apex-clavicle distance correlated with greater SAN-NAM distance.
- Negative correlation between SAN-NAM distance and patient age.
Conclusions:
- Surgeons should anticipate higher SAN positioning in patients with thicker SCM muscles.
- Preoperative measurements like mastoid apex-clavicle distance can predict SAN proximity.
- Age influences SAN-NAM distance, with older patients having decreased distance.
