Reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular nerve flap / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe a new method of accessory nerve defect reconstruction with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four cases receiving traditional radical neck dissection were divided into two groups single neck dissection group (n = 19) and accessory nerve reconstruction group (n = 15). Surgical procedure of the reconstruction was described in detail. Postoperative shoulder functions were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Accessory nerve reconstruction group experienced much better shoulder function recovery than that in single neck dissection group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular nerve flap is simple, effective and complication-free.</p>