Turkish Neurosurgery 2009 , Vol 19 , Num 1
The Incidence and Anatomical Features of the McKenzie Branch: A Cadaver Study
Canan Yurttaş SAYLAM1, Mustafa ORHAN2, Zühre Aslı AKTAN İKİZ3, Hülya UÇERLER4, Mehmet ZİLELİ5
1,2,3,4Ege University Medical Faculty, Anatomy Department, Izmir, Turkey
5Ege University Medical Faculty, Neurosurgery Department, Izmir, Turkey
AIM: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of the connections between the spinal accessory nerve and the anterior root of the first cervical nerve (C1) which is also called the McKenzie branch.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The cranial cervical regions of 49 specimens from 27 human cadavers were used for this study under an operating microscope. The topographical relationship of the accessory nerve to the anterior roots of C1 were studied.

RESULTS: One cadaver had a connection branch (McKenzie branch) on both sides.

CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the anatomy of these connections may help the clinician in determining treatments and surgical approaches in this anatomical area. Keywords : Spinal accessory nerve, First cervical spinal nerve, Anterior root, McKenzie branch

Corresponding author : Canan Yurttaş Saylam, canan.y.saylam@ege.edu.tr