Axillary Nerve Palsy and Deltoid Muscle Atony.

Abstract

* Axillary nerve palsy presents in a variety of ways and can be a substantial source of dysfunction about the shoulder. It is important for the orthopaedic surgeon to recognize axillary nerve injuries in the setting of acute trauma. The surgeon should also be aware that such injuries are part of the complication profile of both open and arthroscopic surgery involving the shoulder.* Early recognition and treatment is important as full recovery becomes less likely in association with chronic axillary nerve injuries. However, diagnosis is often difficult and can be masked by compensatory mechanisms of the adjacent shoulder muscles.* Several treatment options are available, depending on the extent and type of injury, including neurolysis, neurorrhaphy, nerve-grafting, and nerve transfer. This article highlights the etiology, diagnostic pathways, and treatment of both traumatic and iatrogenic axillary nerve injuries.