Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the connection types and frequency between the accessory nerve and the posterior roots of the C2–C6 cervical nerves.
Methods
The cranial cervical regions of 49 specimens from 27 human cadavers were used for the present study under an operating microscope.
Results
Five different connection types between the accessory nerve and the posterior roots of the cervical nerves were recorded and photographed (types A–F). One of these types was not described previously in literature (type F). All connections between the posterior roots of the C2–C6 spinal nerves and the accessory nerve were at the level of the C2 segment. Type B was the most frequently seen type in our series. One of the rootlets of the cervical posterior root joined the accessory nerve without a connection to the spinal cord in type B.
Conclusions
The clinical importance of these connections is especially noticed during the radical neck dissection as it may lead to the development of the shoulder-arm syndrome.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Jones TA, Stell PM (1985) The preservation of shoulder function after radical neck dissection. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 10(2):89–92
Krause HR, Bremerich A, Herrmann M (1991) The innervation of the trapezius muscle in connection with radical neck-dissection. An anatomical study. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 19(2):87–89
Oh CS, Chung IH, Koh KS, Kim HJ, Kim SS (2001) Intradural anastomoses between the accessory nerve and the posterior roots of cervical nerves: their clinical significance. Clin Anat 14(6):424–427
Soo KC, Hamlyn PJ, Pegington J, Westbury G (1986) Anatomy of the accessory nerve and its cervical contributions in the neck. Head Neck Surg 9(2):111–115
Stacey RJ, O’Leary ST, Hamlyn PJ (1996) An anomaly in the nerve supply of the trapezius muscle. Clin Anat 9(6):414–416
Standring S et al (2005) Gray’s anatomy, 39th edn. Elsevier, London, pp 558–777
Weitz JW, Weitz SL, McElhinney AJ (1982) A technique for preservation of spinal accessory nerve function in radical neck dissection. Head Neck Surg 5(1):75–78
Acknowledgment
This study was supported by the Research Council of Ege Universty, Faculty of Medicine (04 TIP 025).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Saylam, C.Y., Orhan, M., Aktan Ikiz, Z.A. et al. Connection types between the spinal root of the accessory nerve and the posterior roots of the C2–C6 spinal nerves. Surg Radiol Anat 31, 419–423 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0460-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0460-8