Delayed Spinal Accessory Neuropathy Diagnosed after Local Operative Surgical Procedures in The Posterior Cervical Triangle

ABSTRACT

The spinal accessory nerve is well known to be injured by surgical procedures in the posterior cervical triangle. The trapezius muscle innervated by the spinal accessory nerve is a major scapular stabilizer, so the paralysis of this muscle results in shoulder droop, limited range of motion, and displacement of scapula as well as shoulder pain. Spinal accessory neuropathy from a local surgical procedure may begin immediately. We experienced three spinal accessory neuropathy cases with delayed onset after local surgical procedures.