Injury of axillary nerve

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Injury of axillary nerve
Location of the axillary nerve
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Deltoid muscle weakness, teres minor weakness, sensory loss over the regimental badge area
Complications Shoulder instability, atrophy of the deltoid muscle
Onset Trauma, shoulder dislocation, humeral fracture
Duration Varies, can be temporary or permanent
Types N/A
Causes Blunt trauma, compression, traction injury
Risks Contact sports, shoulder surgery, repetitive overhead activities
Diagnosis Physical examination, nerve conduction study, electromyography
Differential diagnosis Rotator cuff tear, brachial plexus injury, cervical radiculopathy
Prevention Protective gear, proper technique in sports, physical therapy
Treatment Physical therapy, surgical repair, nerve grafting
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment, but depends on severity
Frequency Relatively uncommon
Deaths N/A


Overview of axillary nerve injury


The axillary nerve is a crucial component of the brachial plexus, responsible for innervating the deltoid muscle and the teres minor muscle, as well as providing sensory input from the skin overlying the deltoid. Injury to the axillary nerve can result in significant functional impairment of the shoulder.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The axillary nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, carrying fibers from the C5 and C6 spinal nerves. It travels through the quadrangular space of the shoulder, accompanied by the posterior circumflex humeral artery.

Branches[edit | edit source]

The axillary nerve gives off several branches:

Causes of Injury[edit | edit source]

Injury to the axillary nerve can occur due to various reasons, including:

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with axillary nerve injury may present with:

  • Weakness or paralysis of the deltoid muscle, leading to difficulty in abduction of the arm
  • Atrophy of the deltoid muscle
  • Loss of sensation over the lateral aspect of the shoulder

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of axillary nerve injury is primarily clinical, supported by:

Management[edit | edit source]

Management of axillary nerve injury depends on the severity and cause of the injury:

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for axillary nerve injury varies. Many patients recover with conservative treatment, but some may experience persistent weakness or sensory deficits.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD