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Lateral Scapular Winging and Shoulder Pain Following Posterior Fossa Surgery: A Case Report
Michael Collins1, Dustin Harris1
1Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Cureus
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury can cause lateral scapular winging after posterior fossa surgery. Early recognition and physical therapy are key for managing this underrecognized complication and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- The spinal accessory nerve (SAN) innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
- Injury to the SAN can lead to trapezius denervation, causing lateral scapular winging (LSW), shoulder pain, and reduced arm elevation.
- While common after neck surgeries, SAN injury is an underrecognized complication of posterior fossa surgery, potentially due to surgical positioning.