Treatment of a Proximal Accessory Nerve Injury with Nerve Transfer

OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: This study presents a case report of a patient who sustained an iatrogenic proximal accessory nerve injury that was treated with a medial pectoral to accessory nerve transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Case study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chart of one patient who was treated with a medial pectoral to accessory nerve transfer was reviewed. RESULTS: Five months after excision of a branchial cyst that resulted in a very proximal injury to the accessory nerve, this patient underwent a medial pectoral to accessory nerve transfer. At final follow-up, 3 years after surgery, the patient had full abduction overhead with some residual shoulder/scapular discomfort and mild scapular winging. CONCLUSION: The medial pectoral to accessory nerve transfer provides a viable surgical option with good reinnervation of the trapezius muscle in patients with a proximal accessory nerve injury where standard nerve repair or graft techniques are not feasible.