An anatomical variation of the lesser occipital nerve in the "Carefree part" of the posterior triangle

S. Swamy Ravindra, Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla, Satheesha B. Nayak, K. G. Mohandas Rao, Jyothsna Patil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The occurrence of the lesser occipital nerve (LON) at an anomalous location in the "carefree part" within the posterior triangle has been seldom reported in the literature. We are reporting a rare case of location of the LON in the "carefree part" of the posterior triangle, in a 55-year-old formalin embalmed male cadaver. LON, after emerging from the posterior margin of the sternomastoid muscle (SM), ran obliquely towards the trapezius muscle. Here, it hooked around the unusual separated muscle fasciculus of the trapezius, 7.5 cm below the superior nuchal line. Further, LON gave contributions to spinal accessory nerve (SAN); one deep into the SM and another one in the posterior triangle. The knowledge on the unusual location and course of the LON and its contribution to the SAN is significantly important while an anaesthetic blockade is being performed for the management of a cervicogenic headache and a super selective radical neck dissection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)AD05-AD06
JournalJournal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cervicogenic headache
  • Lesser occipital nerve
  • Radical neck dissection
  • Spinal accessory nerve

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry

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