Objective comparison of physical dysfunction after neck dissection

Thirty-five patients who underwent a total of 44 neck dissections of various types were prospectively studied to compare differences in postoperative shoulder function. Those who underwent a radical neck dissection suffered the greatest reduction in shoulder movement and had severely abnormal electromyograms. Those who underwent modified neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve suffered less loss of shoulder function than the radical neck dissection group, but not to a significant degree at 16 weeks; however, the electromyograms of patients who underwent modified neck dissection were significantly better than those of the radical neck dissection group, which suggests that these patients may improve with time. Indeed, a reevaluation of several patients at 1 year showed improvement in both shoulder function and electromyograms in those who underwent modified neck dissection. Patients who underwent supraomohyoid neck dissection that involved minimal dissection of the spinal accessory nerve had minimal loss of shoulder function and usually, normal electromyograms at 16 weeks that documented less injury to the spinal accessory nerve. Again, these patients had improvement with time. A correlational analysis revealed that the physical parameters correlated well with the electromyographic findings, whereas each patient's perception of disability did not. These findings suggest that, in patients in whom it is oncologically sound, a neck dissection that spares the spinal accessory nerve offers significant benefit in terms of shoulder function.     

Reconstruction of spinal accessory nerve after radical neck dissection.

Resection of the spinal accessory nerve in cases of radical neck dissection often causes considerable damage to the function of the shoulder girdle; it leads to limitation of the motion of the upper limb and pain in the shoulder girdle. It seems a sensible compromise to reconstruct the spinal accessory nerve in one-stage operation with radical neck dissection, which can often prevent extensive atrophy of the trapezius muscle, with a resultant improvement in the chance of successful rehabilitation. The technique of the operation is described: after completion of radical neck dissection, in one-stage operation an autogenous nerve transplant from the n. auricularis magnus is sewn onto the central and peripheral stumps of the spinal accessory nerve, which are protected by a "vein-muff" and the fascia of the muscle. After such spinal accessory nerve reconstruction, subjective complaints and objective symptoms were much milder in 6 patients than in the control group, which consisted of 10 patients who underwent a similar operation but without spinal accessory nerve reconstruction.     

颈7神经根后股与副神经移位吻合重建斜方肌功能

目的探讨一种根治性颈淋巴清扫术（radical neck dissection，RND）中采用神经移位吻合改善术后肩功能的方法。方法1999年3月～2001年2月，10例需行RND的患者，行RND时保留远颅端至斜方肌前缘的副神经，长度〉3cm，待RND完成后，解削分离出C7神经，并将其后股切断，长度3～5cm，在无张力下行两神经端端吻合。患者在术前和术后1、6及12个月行临床的斜方肌功能客观评价及肌电检测。结果经c，神经根后股与副神经移位吻合后，各部肌电恢复率1、6及12个月分别为上部9．8％、68．9％、73．5％；中部4．7％、73．6％、69．4％；下部6．2％、70．5％、70．3％；7例患者上臂外展超过90。，上肢平均最大外展角度超过95。，肌萎缩较轻，均为1～2级，肩外展受限2级7例．3级3例。结论RND中采用C7神经根后股与副神经移位吻合能较好地重建斜方肌功能。供、受区位于同一术区内，仅有一个吻合口，减少手术创伤。C7神经根后股的切断对手臂运动及感觉功能无影响。     

Selective neck dissection for clinically N0 neck in laryngeal cancer: is dissection of level IIb necessary?

The most common morbidity associated with selective neck dissection (SND; II-IV) is spinal accessory nerve dysfunction and related shoulder disability. Nerve dysfunction is usually attributed to stretching of the nerve during clearance of lymph nodes lying posterior and superior to the spinal accessory nerve (level IIb). If these lymph nodes were left in place and not removed, stretching of the spinal accessory nerve during neck dissection and postoperative shoulder disability could be avoided. 113 SNDs (II-IV) performed on clinically N0 necks of patients with laryngeal carcinoma were enrolled in this prospective study. During SND, level IIb was separately removed and processed. Mean number of lymph nodes in level IIb was 6.26 (range, 0-19). In none of the 113 SND (II-IV) specimens did level IIb contain metastases, thus providing an oncological basis that leaving these lymph nodes in place is an oncologically safe approach, probably avoiding postoperative shoulder disability.     

Neck treatment and shoulder morbidity: still a challenge

Shoulder complaints and functional impairment are common sequelae of neck dissection. This is often attributed to injury of the spinal accessory nerve by dissection or direct trauma. Nevertheless, shoulder morbidity may also occur in cases in which the spinal accessory nerve has been preserved. In this article, the physiology and pathophysiology of the shoulder are discussed, followed by a consideration of the impact of neck dissection on shoulder complaints, functional impairment, and quality of life. Finally, rehabilitation will be considered.     

Surgical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck

OBJECTIVE: The major complication of neck dissection and surgery at the posterior triangle of the neck is severe disability of the shoulder or "shoulder syndrome", which results from spinal accessory nerve injury. Surgical landmarks of the nerve in this area were studied. METHODS: Fifty-six fresh Thai cadavers (112 necks) were dissected to identify the anatomical relationship of the spinal accessory nerve and its commonly used landmarks. RESULTS: The spinal accessory nerve was found within 3.6 cm (mean, 1.43 cm) above Erb's point. The distance between the spinal accessory nerve entering the trapezius muscle and the clavicle was between 2.6 cm and 6.9 cm (mean, 4.5 cm). CONCLUSION: Our data were different from those described in the literature. Reconsideration of these two important landmarks can help to minimize iatrogenic injury of the spinal accessory nerve.     

Hypertrophy of the sternoclavicular joint after functional neck dissection

Sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy is anecdotally reported as a common sequela to radical neck dissection. It is postulated that sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy is a result of a combination of spinal accessory nerve division and sternocleidomastoid muscle resection during radical neck dissection. However, we noticed that sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy can occur following functional neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve, the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the internal jugular vein. Regardless of the aetiological factors that can lead to sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy, we believe that plain radiography and ultrasound examination of the joint, with or without fine needle aspiration or core biopsy may rule out bone metastasis with no need for further investigations. We wish to present a case of sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy following functional neck dissection to highlight the point that sternoclavicular joint hypertrophy is not solely related to division of the spinal accessory nerve and/or the sternocleidomastoid muscle.     

Surgical management of trapezius palsy

BACKGROUND: Injury to the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior cervical triangle leads to paralysis of the trapezius muscle. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for nerve repair or reconstructive surgery according to the etiology, the duration of the preoperative delay, and specific patient characteristics. METHODS: Of twenty-seven patients with a trapezius palsy, twenty were treated with neurolysis or surgical repair (direct or with a graft) of the spinal accessory nerve and seven were treated with the Eden-Lange muscle transfer procedure. Lymph node biopsy was the main cause of the nerve injury. The nerve repairs were performed at an average of seven months after the injury, and the reconstructive procedures were done at an average of twenty-eight months. Nerve repair was performed for iatrogenic injuries of the spinal accessory nerve, within twenty months after the onset of symptoms, and in one patient with spontaneous palsy. Reconstructive surgery was performed for cases of trapezius palsy secondary to radical neck dissection, for spontaneous palsies, and after failure of nerve repair or neurolysis. The mean follow-up period was thirty-five months. The functional outcome was assessed clinically on the basis of active shoulder abduction, pain, strength of the trapezius on manual muscle-testing, and level of subjective patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The results were good or excellent in sixteen of the twenty patients treated with nerve repair and in four of the seven patients treated with the Eden-Lange procedure. Poor results were seen in older patients and in patients with a previous radical neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Good results can be expected from a repair of the spinal accessory nerve if it is performed within twenty months after the injury, as the nerve is basically a purely motor nerve and the distance from the injury to the motor end plates is short. Muscle transfer should be performed in patients with spontaneous trapezius palsy, when previous nerve surgery has failed, or when the time from the injury to treatment is over twenty months. Treatment is less likely to succeed when the patient is older than fifty years of age or the palsy was due to a radical neck dissection, penetrating injury, or spontaneous palsy.     

Considering the spinal accessory nerve in head and neck surgery

Loss of trapezius muscle function represents the single most important source of long-term morbidity from a radical neck dissection. Its preservation has been one of the central features of the conservative or modified neck dissection. We recently undertook an evaluation of 100 consecutive patients who had undergone composite resection for head and neck cancer and examined them with particular emphasis on the function of the trapezius muscle. The mean interval from the time of radical neck dissection to the time of this evaluation was 6.2 years. The operations included radical neck dissection with sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve, radical neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve, and radical neck dissection with interpositioned cable graft reconstruction. The survey showed that 67 percent of the patients who underwent radical neck dissection with sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve, although they showed profound atrophy of the trapezius muscle, had few symptoms related to this deficit. Similarly, 47 percent of patients who underwent radical neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve showed some signs of muscle atrophy, and 20 percent showed little or no function of the muscle. Interpositioned nerve grafts appeared to function well in 66 percent of the patients. The survey showed that a surprising number of patients treated with a standard radical neck dissection and sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve had few postoperative symptoms related to the loss of trapezius muscle function. Also unexpected was the number of patients with signs of muscle dysfunction despite nerve preservation.     

Long-term results of spinal accessory nerve-facial nerve anastomosis.

A number of methods have been developed to reduce the cosmetic and functional disability resulting from facial nerve loss. It has often been suggested that the major trunk of the spinal accessory nerve should not be sacrificed for providing dynamic facial function because of shoulder disability and pain. A review of Mayo Clinic records has revealed that, between the years of 1975 and 1983, 25 patients underwent spinal accessory nerve-facial nerve anastomosis using the major division (branch to the trapezius muscle) of the spinal accessory nerve. There were 11 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 16 to 60 years (mean 41 years). The interval between facial nerve loss and anastomosis was 1 week to 34 months (mean 4.62 months). The duration of follow-up study ranged from 7 to 15 years (mean 10.8 years). Twenty patients had no complaints or symptoms related to their shoulder or arm at the time of this review and no patient had significant shoulder morbidity. The facial function achieved was "minimal" in five cases, "moderate" in six, and good to excellent in 14. Most patients appeared to benefit significantly from the spinal accessory nerve-facial nerve anastomosis. The morbidity of the procedure seemed quite minimal even in the young and active. The authors continue to believe that the spinal accessory nerve-facial nerve anastomosis, even when using the major trunk of the spinal accessory nerve, is a very useful and beneficial procedure.     

Functional assessment using Constant's Shoulder Scale after modified radical and selective neck dissection

BACKGROUND: Constant's Shoulder Scale is a validated and widely applied instrument for assessment of shoulder function. We used this instrument to assess which treatment and demographic variables contribute to shoulder dysfunction after neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: A convenience sample of 54 patients with 64 neck dissections and minimum follow-up of 11 months were evaluated. Thirty-two accessory nerve-sparing modified radical (MRND) and 32 selective neck (SND) dissections were performed. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the variables that were predictive for shoulder dysfunction. Clinical variables included age, time from surgery, handedness, weight, radiation therapy, neck dissection type, tumor stage, and site. RESULTS: Patients receiving MRND had significantly worse shoulder function than patients with SND (p =.0007). Radiation therapy contributed negatively, whereas weight contributed positively (p =.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The critical factors contributing to shoulder dysfunction after neck dissection were weight, radiation therapy, and neck dissection type.     

Radical or modified neck dissection: A therapeutic dilemma

Three hundred ten evaluable patients received a classic, functional, or spinal accessory-nerve-sparing neck dissection during 1970 to 1975. The functional procedure was at least equal to the classic procedure in the patients in whom it was employed. The spinal accessory-nerve-sparing operation is offered as an alternative to the classic procedure in all patients in whom the nerve is not directly invaded by cancer. If these guidelines are followed, the patient will rarely experience the pain and shoulder dysfunction that result from the loss of the trapezius muscle, while the chances of control of cancer in the neck remain optimal.     

A prospective study of shoulder disability resulting from radical and modified neck dissections

A prospective longitudinal study of shoulder function after 103 neck dissections involving either preservation or sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve is presented. The postoperative evolution and course of trapezius muscle denervation and resultant shoulder dysfunction were objectively determined for both radical and modified nerve sparing neck dissections. All patients were enrolled in a program of physical therapy aimed at maintaining range of motion at the shoulder joint. Shoulder function was examined preoperatively and for 12 months postoperatively with manual muscle strength testing, range of motion measurements, and electrodiagnostic testing. Results indicate that modified nerve sparing dissections are followed on the average by a significant, but temporary and reversible phase of shoulder dysfunction. By comparison, radical neck dissection is followed by profound and permanent trapezius muscle weakness and denervation.     

Impact of shoulder complaints after neck dissection on shoulder disability and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To explore relationships between shoulder complaints after neck dissection, shoulder disability, and quality of life. To find clinical predictors for mid- to long-term shoulder disability. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Shoulder pain, shoulder mobility, and shoulder droop, as well as scores on shoulder disability questionnaire and RAND-36 (quality of life), were measured at baseline, discharge (T1), and 4 months postoperatively (T2) on 139 patients admitted for neck dissection to major head and neck centers in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Shoulder mobility was significantly decreased at T1 and did not improve. Significant relationships between shoulder function, shoulder disability score, and RAND-36 domains were found. Two clusters of clinical symptoms could be identified as independent predictors for shoulder disability. CONCLUSIONS: Objective deterioration in shoulder function after neck dissection is associated with perceived shoulder disability and related to physical functioning and bodily pain. Predictors for shoulder disability can be found.     

A pilot study of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of progressive resistance exercise training on shoulder dysfunction caused by spinal accessory neurapraxia/neurectomy in head and neck cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: Shoulder dysfunction remains a frequent complication after neck dissection procedures for head and neck cancer. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effects of progressive resistance exercise training (PRET) on shoulder dysfunction caused by spinal accessory neurapraxia/neurectomy in patients with head and neck cancer. Twenty patients (mean age, 61 +/- 7.7 years) were randomly assigned to PRET or standard care intervention. Subjects assigned to the PRET group exercised three times per week for 12 weeks. The goal of the exercise program was to enhance scapular stability and strength of the upper extremity. The resistance-training program was progressive in terms of number of sets and repetitions performed, as well as the amount of weight lifted, depending on performance status. RESULTS: The completion rate for the trial was 85% (17 of 20). The exercise group completed 93% of scheduled exercise sessions. Significant improvements were found in favor of the PRET group in active shoulder external rotation (p =.001), shoulder pain (p =.038), and overall score for shoulder pain and disability (p =.045). CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrate a high rate of completion and adherence with our PRET program among patients with head and neck cancer. The preliminary findings, although limited, also suggest a potential therapeutic role for resistance exercise as an adjunct to standard physical therapy treatment.     

Scapular winging: an update

Scapular winging is a rare disorder often caused by neuromuscular imbalance in the scapulothoracic stabilizer muscles. Lesions of the long thoracic nerve and spinal accessory nerves are the most common cause. Numerous underlying etiologies have been described. Patients report diffuse neck, shoulder girdle, and upper back pain, which may be debilitating, associated with abduction and overhead activities. Accurate diagnosis and detection depend on appreciation of the scapulothoracic anatomy and a comprehensive physical examination. Although most cases resolve nonsurgically, surgical treatment of scapular winging has been met with success.     

Cervical metastases following radical neck dissection that preserved the spinal accessory nerve

In contrast to the original neck dissection technique, the spinal accessory nerve is routinely sacrificed in the so-called classical neck dissection. The benefit of this routine has never been documented; on the contrary, facts have accumulated that indicate that the nerve should be preserved. The results in this article serve to emphasize this opinion. Of 80 patients who underwent radical neck dissection that preserved the spinal accessory nerve, the potential for cure was not jeopardized in a single case.     

Perineural Spread of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Spinal Accessory Nerve in an Immunocompromised Organ Transplant Recipient

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cutaneous malignancy in humans, affecting approximately 200,000 people in the United States each year. In immunocompromised patients, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, and it also tends to behave more aggressively than in immunocompetent patients. OBJECTIVE: We describe an immunocompromised patient, previously treated for a squamous cell carcinoma of the left posterior shoulder, who subsequently developed a cord-like, intraneural metastasis of the spinal accessory nerve. RESULTS: The patient presented with a 3-month history of lancinating pain of the left neck and shoulder. He had been treated previously for a squamous cell carcinoma of the left posterior shoulder, which subsequently recurred twice. On examination, a cord-like mass was palpable along the path of the spinal accessory nerve. Given the aggressive nature of this patient's squamous cell carcinoma, surgical exploration was performed. Frozen-section analysis of the spinal accessory nerve and of the multiple supraclavicular nerves revealed perineural and intraneural squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the trunk or extremity metastasizing to a cranial nerve.     

Spinal accessory nerve injury

Injury to the spinal accessory nerve can lead to dysfunction of the trapezius. The trapezius is a major scapular stabilizer and is composed of three functional components. It contributes to scapulothoracic rhythm by elevating, rotating, and retracting the scapula. The superficial course of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior cervical triangle makes it susceptible to injury. Iatrogenic injury to the nerve after a surgical procedure is one of the most common causes of trapezius palsy. Dysfunction of the trapezius can be a painful and disabling condition. The shoulder droops as the scapula is translated laterally and rotated downward. Patients present with an asymmetric neckline, a drooping shoulder, winging of the scapula, and weakness of forward elevation. Evaluation should include a complete electrodiagnostic examination. If diagnosed within 1 year of the injury, microsurgical reconstruction of the nerve should be considered. Conservative treatment of chronic trapezius paralysis is appropriate for older patients who are sendentary. Active and healthy patients in whom 1 year of conservative treatment has failed are candidates for surgical reconstruction. Studies have shown the Eden-Lange procedure, in which the insertions of the levator scapulae, rhomboideus minor, and rhomboideus major muscles are transferred, relieves pain, corrects deformity, and improves function in patients with irreparable injury to the spinal accessory nerve.     

Suprascapular nerve release for treatment of shoulder and periscapular pain following intracranial spinal accessory nerve injury

Iatrogenic injury to the spinal accessory nerve is one of the most common causes of trapezius muscle palsy. Dysfunction of this muscle can be a painful and disabling condition because scapular winging may impose traction on the soft tissues of the shoulder region, including the suprascapular nerve. There are few reports regarding therapeutic options for an intracranial injury of the accessory nerve. However, the surgical release of the suprascapular nerve at the level of the scapular notch is a promising alternative approach for treatment of shoulder pain in these cases. The author reports on 3 patients presenting with signs and symptoms of unilateral accessory nerve injury following resection of posterior fossa tumors. A posterior approach was used to release the suprascapular nerve at the level of the scapular notch, transecting the superior transverse scapular ligament. All patients experienced relief of their shoulder and scapular pain following the decompressive surgery. In 1 patient the primary dorsal branch of the C-2 nerve root was transferred to the extracranial segment of the accessory nerve, and in the other 2 patients a tendon transfer (the Eden-Lange procedure) was used. Results from this report show that surgical release of the suprascapular nerve is an effective treatment for shoulder and periscapular pain in patients who have sustained an unrepairable injury to the accessory nerve.