trapezius palsy

Last reviewed 01/2018

A palsy of the trapezius muscle may result in the following deformity on clinical inspection of the back in comparison to the opposite side:

  • scapula relatively protracted around the thorax
  • inferior angle of the scapula moving relatively medially
  • angulation of the superior border of the trapezius

Trapezius palsy may be produced by an accessory nerve palsy.