Reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular nerve flap.
We introduced a new method for reconstruction of accessory nerve defects by using the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)-great auricular nerve flap. Thirty-four patients receiving traditional radical neck dissection were divided into two groups: the accessory nerve not-reconstructed group (Group A, N = 19) and the accessory nerve reconstructed group (Group B, n = 15). The surgical procedure of the reconstruction is described in detail. Postoperative shoulder functions were compared between the two groups. We found that Group B experienced much better shoulder function recovery than Group A. Both groups had good wound healing. It is concluded that reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with SCM-great auricular nerve flap is simple, effective and complication-free and worthwhile.
Guo
Chuan-Bin
CB
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China. guodazuo@sina.com
Zhang
Ye
Y
Zou
Li-Dong
LD
Mao
Chi
C
Peng
Xin
X
Yu
Guang-Yan
GY
D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome