This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Axillary nerve lesion

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles. It is most commonly damaged as a result of dislocation of the shoulder or of its treatment. It may also be involved in a brachial neuritis.

Clinical features include:

  • loss of sensation over a small area of skin on the lateral aspect of the upper arm - the so called sergeant's stripes because of their position.
  • loss of function of the deltoid muscle, characterised by an inability to initiate abduction of the arm from a position of zero abduction - this is a chronic sign. Wasting is also seen after time - with flattening of the curved shape of the shoulder.

Treatment is by splinting in a position of abduction at the shoulder.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.