Associated movement as a sequel to thoracotomy: aberrant regeneration to the latissimus dorsi muscle

Mov Disord. 1995 Nov;10(6):788-90. doi: 10.1002/mds.870100612.

Abstract

We describe two patients with unusual associated movements as a sequel to thoracotomy. The two patients developed involuntary twitchings of the latissimus dorsi, which were induced by contractions of the adjacent muscles, the serratus anterior muscle in patient 1 and the external intercostal muscle in patient 2, after lobectomy for lung cancer. Electrophysiological and radiological studies showed that aberrant regeneration from the adjacent nerves to the denervated latissimus dorsi could be responsible for the associated movements.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery*
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Pneumonectomy*
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology*
  • Thoracic Nerves / physiopathology
  • Thoracic Nerves / surgery
  • Thoracotomy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed