Disability Following Radical Neck Dissection

A radical neck dissection may be associated with permanent disability depending on how radical the surgery is.

Disabilities may include:

(1) shoulder dysfunction (“shoulder syndrome”) secondary to damage of the spinal accessory nerve (see below)

(2) cosmetic appearance of neck

(3) work disability

(4) social disability

(5) psychological disability (depression, etc)

The shoulder syndrome includes:

(1) pain

(2) weakness of the trapezius muscle

(3) limitation of shoulder movement

(4) deformity of the shoulder girdle

A modified neck dissection that is nerve-sparing can reduce the morbidity without altering the prognosis.

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Purpose: To evaluate a patient for disability following a radical neck dissection.