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Axillary Nerve Injury, Sports Medicine

Laura M. Distel, MD, CAQSM and James R. Borchers, MD, MPH Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Originates from the C5–C6 rami (and occasionally C4) and is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus 1

  • Courses from the brachial plexus and below the coracoid process alo...

DIAGNOSIS

Nerve injury should be suspected in any athlete with anterior shoulder dislocation or humeral neck fracture. 

HISTORY

  • Easy fatigability with overhead activities or heavy lifting 3

  • Decreased str...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Nonoperative treatment is preferred initially 2,4[A].

  • Emphasize active and passive ROM of the shoulder.

  • Relative rest

  • Strengthening exercises of the shoulder

  • Avoidance of exacerb...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Routine clinical follow-up every 4 to 8 wk while patient is undergoing therapy to assess for return of strength and sensation

  • Repeat EMG/NCV if no improvement in 3...

REFERENCES

1
Safran MR. Nerve injury about the shoulder in athletes, part 1: suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve. Am J Sports Med.  2004;32(3):803–819.
2
Perlmutter GS, Apruzzese W. Axillary nerv...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Axillary nerve injury should be suspected in individuals with a glenohumeral dislocation or humeral neck fracture.

ALERT

Normal sensation of the lateral upper arm does not rule out axill...

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