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Kopacz, Kira S.

A5119024321 | I1330342723

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 1

Diagnostic Neuromuscular Ultrasonography of Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury After Cosmetic Rhytidectomy

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound | July 21, 2025 | Volume: 53 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 2210-2214

10.1002/jcu.70015 | PMID 40689442

ABSTRACT Iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injuries can occur as complications of posterior triangle of the neck surgery, resulting in lateral scapular winging and a shoulder droop. Rarely has this complication been described after a cosmetic rhytidectomy (face‐lift procedure). Here, we present two cases of iatrogenic SAN injuries that occurred after cosmetic rhytidectomies. The use of electrodiagnostic and ultrasound examinations provides invaluable information to assess peripheral nerve injuries. Electrodiagnostic testing can confirm the presence and severity of the injury, while ultrasound can provide additional anatomical information and direct visualization to confirm the continuity of the nerve and assess muscle denervation changes.