Reinnervation of the trapezius muscle after radical neck dissection

Based on the observation, that the caudal parts of the trapezius muscle after radical neck dissection with complete loss of the spinal accessory nerve, are still innervated to an individually varying degree, and on recent anatomical findings relating to this fact, a method for completely reinnervating the trapezius muscle, despite uncompromising radicality of the dissection, is introduced. This procedure consists of identifying and dislodging a subfascial branch of the deep cervical plexus running to the caudal parts of the trapezius muscle in the lateral cervical triangle and anastomosing it to the distal stump of the accessory nerve, using microsurgical techniques, thereby connecting it to the whole innervation system of the muscle. Clinical and electromyographical examinations showed very good recovery of all three portions of the muscle, 15 months after the procedure, in 46 of 52 patients (85%), although these patients were preselected by temporarily blocking the accessory nerve prior to operation, as possessing very little additional nerve supply.