Diagnosis of unilateral trapezius muscle palsy: 54 Cases. Issue 2 (27th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seror, Paul; Stojkovic, Tanya; Lefevre‐Colau, Marie Martine; Lenglet, Timothée
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 56:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2017-02-27
• Subjects: cervicofacial lift -- electrodiagnosis -- facio‐scapulo‐humeral dystrophy -- iatrogenic nerve lesion -- neck surgery -- nerve compression -- neuralgic amyotrophy -- spinal accessory nerve -- trapezius muscle -- winging scapula; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.25481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: We assessed medical and surgical causes of unilateral trapezius muscle (TM) palsy and/or wasting. Methods: Clinical and electrodiagnostic data were collected in 54 patients with TM impairment over 21 years. Results: In total, 35 cases had a medical origin: neuralgic amyotrophy (NA, n = 22), idiopathic unilateral TM palsy ( n = 5), regional neck radiotherapy for different conditions ( n = 2), facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSH) ( n = 4), abnormal loop of the jugular vein ( n = 1), or basilar impression ( n = 1). Other etiologies were neck surgery ( n = 16), cervicofacial lift ( n = 2), or trauma ( n = 1). Conclusions: There were 5 main diagnostic findings in unilateral TM palsy: (1) dynamic examination of the scapula provides a new clinical sign; (2) NA is the most frequent medical cause; (3) in medical cases, partial preservation of the upper TM can offer good recovery; (4) FSH must be considered, especially in young patients; and (5) minor neck surgery can lead to severe TM palsy. Muscle Nerve 56 : 215–223, 2017