Anatomical study of spinal accessory nerve using ultrasonography

作者：Canella Clarissa; Demondion Xavier; Abreu Evandro; Marchiori Edson; Cotten Herve; Cotten Anne^*

来源：European Journal of Radiology, 2013, 82(1): 56-61.

DOI：10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.04.038

• Spinal accessory
• Nerve
• Anatomy
• Ultrasonography

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). %26lt;br%26gt;Material and 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. %26lt;br%26gt;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. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusion: The SAN can be clearly depicted by means of ultrasonography. Knowledge of the nerve%26apos;s precise location, which may evidence individual variations, may have useful clinical applications.

• 出版日期2013-1