title: High division of the accessory nerve: a rare anatomical variation as a possible pitfall during neck dissection surgery.
abstract: A rare clinical variant found during neck dissection surgery is reported in which the spinal accessory nerve divided at a high level in the neck, before entering the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This case documents the need for meticulous technique in identification and dissection of the spinal accessory nerve in order to reduce the risk of postoperative morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Unit, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth, UK. mikebater@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bater
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dufty
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation*; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000601:surgery