Paralysis of the trapezius muscle: evaluation and surgical management

Bibliographic Details
Title: Paralysis of the trapezius muscle: evaluation and surgical management
Authors: Jesse O’Driscoll, BS, José Carlos Minarro, MD, PhD, Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, MD, PhD
Source: JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques, Vol 4, Iss 3, Pp 329-340 (2024)
Publisher Information: Elsevier, 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Collection: LCC:Surgery
Subject Terms: Trapezius, Iatrogenic injury, Spinal accessory nerve, Levator scapulae, Rhomboids, Eden-Lange, Surgery, RD1-811
More Details: Background: Paralysis of the trapezius muscle most commonly results from iatrogenic injury to the spinal accessory nerve. Methods: The clinical presentation and physical examination findings of trapezius palsy have been well characterized, but unfortunately the diagnosis of this condition is oftentimes missed or delayed, sometimes leading to unnecessary surgery on the rotator cuff or tendon of the long head of the biceps. Results: The diagnosis can be confirmed using electromyography with nerve conduction studies. Although nonoperative treatment may help some patients with temporary neurapraxia of the spinal accessory nerve, nerve repair with or without nerve grafting should be performed soon for patients suspected of a nerve transection. Nerve transfers can be considered within the first year after the injury when nerve repair and grafting cannot be completed. For chronic trapezius palsy, transfer of the levator scapulae and rhomboids has been refined and represents a very successful surgical procedure. Rarely, scapulothoracic arthrodesis is considered for individuals with failed tendon transfers or multiple nerve involvement. Conclusion: Trapezius palsy is oftentimes missed. An accurate diagnosis allows consideration of various treatment modalities that have been reported to provide good outcomes for properly selected patients.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2666-6391
Relation: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666639124000610; https://doaj.org/toc/2666-6391
DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.03.014
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/a0faa12aaa294b66b061099c6cb18e8a
Accession Number: edsdoj.0faa12aaa294b66b061099c6cb18e8a
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:26666391
DOI:10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.03.014
Published in:JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques
Language:English