Transfer of the anterior C3 levator scapulae motor nerve branch for spinal accessory nerve injury: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Injury to the spinal accessory nerve (Acc) results in loss of motor function of the trapezius muscle and leads to severe shoulder problems. A vast number of surgical strategies have been proposed to reinnervate (suture, grafting, and nerve transfers) or compensate (tendon and muscle transfers) the lost function of the trapezius muscle. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report a successful case of Acc reconstruction 5 months after the injury with the anterior C3 levator scapulae motor nerve branch transfer in omotrapezoid triangle of the neck. LESSONS: The advantages of the proposed technique over preexisting nerve transfers were discussed. We believe that this technique can be considered as an alternative to already existing techniques for proximal injuries to Acc.