What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Injury to the Axillary Nerve

What is Axillary Nerve Injury? (Definition/Background Information)

• An Axillary Nerve Injury is damage to the axillary nerve, which is a branch of the brachial plexus. The axillary nerve runs through the shoulder and controls the deltoid and teres minor muscles, as well as providing sensation to the outer part of the upper arm. Damage to this nerve can result in pain, weakness, and loss of function in the affected areas
• Individuals of any age and gender are prone to Axillary Nerve Injuries. Individuals who have experienced trauma to the shoulder or upper arm, or those who have undergone surgery involving the axillary nerve, are more susceptible to this type of injury
• The condition may be diagnosed through radiological imaging and nerve conduction velocity studies. Following a diagnosis, an Axillary Nerve Injury may be treated conservatively or surgically depending on its severity
• With appropriate treatment of Axillary Nerve Injury, the outcomes are good, and the affected individuals are able to regain the full function of their injured hand. However, severe cases may result in complications including irreversible loss of function of the affected hand

Who gets Axillary Nerve Injury? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Axillary Nerve Injuries can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

What are the Risk Factors for Axillary Nerve Injury? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Axillary Nerve Injury include:

• Participation in contact sports or activities which increase the risk for shoulder dislocations or fractures
• Previous injuries or trauma to the shoulder or upper arm
• Medical conditions that cause nerve inflammation or compression such as diabetes or arthritis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Axillary Nerve Injury? (Etiology)

Some common causes of Axillary Nerve Injury include:

• Dislocations: A shoulder dislocation can stretch or compress the axillary nerve, causing nerve damage
• Fractures: A broken bone in the upper arm or shoulder, such as a humerus fracture, can compress or damage the axillary nerve
• Compression injuries: Prolonged pressure on the nerve from improper use of crutches, casts, or tight bandages can cause injury
• Surgical complications: Damage to the axillary nerve can occur during surgeries in the shoulder or upper arm region

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Axillary Nerve Injury?

The signs and symptoms of Axillary Nerve Injury may include:

• Weakness or paralysis of the deltoid and teres minor muscles, which can result in difficulty lifting the arm or moving it away from the body
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the outer part of the upper arm
• Loss of sensation in the affected area

How is Axillary Nerve Injury Diagnosed?

An Axillary Nerve Injury is typically diagnosed through a combination of the following:

• Physical examination and patient history evaluation
• Diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be used to identify any underlying causes, such as fractures or other injuries

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Axillary Nerve Injury?

The complications of Axillary Nerve Injury can include the following:

• Chronic pain
• Loss of sensation in the region
• Permanent loss of function in the affected shoulder and arm

How is Axillary Nerve Injury Treated?

The treatment for Axillary Nerve Injury depends on the severity and cause of the damage. Some possible treatment options include:

• Rest and immobilization: Allowing the affected shoulder and arm to rest and using a sling or brace to provide support
• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility
• Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to repair the nerve or address any underlying causes, such as a dislocation or fracture

How can Axillary Nerve Injury be Prevented?

Preventing Axillary Nerve Injury involves reducing the risk of shoulder or upper arm injury and managing any medical conditions that could lead to nerve damage. This may include:

• Wearing appropriate protective gear during sports or other activities that involve the risk of shoulder injury
• Strengthening the shoulder muscles and maintaining good posture
• Regularly monitoring and managing chronic medical conditions that can affect nerve health

What is the Prognosis of Axillary Nerve Injury? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for an Axillary Nerve Injury varies depending on the severity and cause of the damage.

• With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many individuals are able to recover fully or regain most of their function
• However, severe injuries or those involving complete nerve transection (surgery) may result in permanent disability

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Axillary Nerve Injury:

The following link is a useful resource for information on brain and nerve conditions on DoveMed:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/neurological-institute/