Spinal accessory nerve injury after rhytidectomy (face lift): A case report

Abstract

Injury to the spinal accessory nerve can be a disabling disorder.6,7 Patients with a spinal accessory nerve injury may have pain, paresthesias, and motor weakness that may result in scapular winging. The nerve can be injured by open, penetrating, or closed trauma; however, the most common cause is iatrogenic.6,7 This is most commonly encountered after procedures in the posterior triangle of the neck such as radical neck dissection, lymph node dissection, or biopsy.2 It has been reported on a less frequent basis with procedures such as carotid endarterectomy and abscess drainage.