The axillary nerve (C5,6) arises from the posterior cord

of the brachial plexus, runs along subscapularis and

across the axilla just inferior to the shoulder joint.
It emerges behind the humerus, deep to the deltoid
Branch of the axillary nerve :
The anterior/upper/deep branch supplies the
deltoid muscles
The posterior/lower/superficial branch supplies
the teres minor muscles
The collateral branch supplies the long head of the
triceps brachii muscles
MOTORIK :
Deltoid muscle
Teres minor muscle
Long head of the triceps brachii muscle
SENSORIK :
Lateral proximal arm via superior lateral
cutaneous nerve of arm
Conditions that can lead to axillary nerve dysfunction :
Traction to the shoulder
Shoulder dislocation especially anterior
dislocation
Fracture humerus especially fracture at surgical
neck humerus
Pressure from casts or splints
Blunt trauma at deltoid
Iatrogenic injuries occur in transaxillary
operations on the shoulder and with lateral
deltoid-splitting incisions
The landmark for this important branch is 5cm below
the tip of the acromion.



Shoulder 'weakness'
Deltoid is wasted
Abduction can be initiated (by supraspinatus), it
cannot be maintained.
Retropulsion (extension of the shoulder with the arm
abducted to 90) is impossible.
Careful testing will reveal a small area of numbness
over the deltoid
Nerve injury associated with fractures or dislocations
recovers spontaneously in about 80% of cases
If the deltoid shows no sign of recovery by 6 or 8
weeks, EMG should be performed; if the tests suggest
denervation then the nerve should be explored
through a combined deltopectoral and posterior
(quadrilateral space) approach.
Excision of the nerve ends and grafting arc usually
necessary; a good result can be expected if the nerve is
explored within 3 months of injury.
However, if the operation fails, provided that trapezius
and serratus anterior are functioning, shoulder
arthrodesis can provide both stability and some degree
of'abduction'.