title: Anatomical study of spinal accessory nerve using ultrasonography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of our study was to demonstrate that ultrasonography may allow a precise assessment of the course and relationships of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study, initially undertaken in 7 cadavers, was followed by high-resolution ultrasonographic study in 15 volunteers (30 nerves) by two radiologists in consensus. The location, course and relations to the adjacent anatomic structures of the SAN were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The precise course of the SAN between the lateroposterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the anterior border of the trapezius muscle could be identified by high-resolution ultrasonography. In contrast, clinical bone landmarks were not found helpful for the identification of the nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SAN can be clearly depicted by means of ultrasonography. Knowledge of the nerve's precise location, which may evidence individual variations, may have useful clinical applications.
authors: Service de Radiologie et d'Imagerie Musculosquelettique, Centre de Consultations et d'Imagerie de l'Appareil Locomoteur, CHRU, 59037 Lille, France.
authors: Clarissa
authors: C
authors: Canella
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Demondion
authors: Evandro
authors: E
authors: Abreu
authors: Edson
authors: E
authors: Marchiori
authors: Hervé
authors: H
authors: Cotten
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Cotten