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01-03-2010 | Review

Review of the surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve and the anatomic basis of its iatrogenic and traumatic injury

Authors: Nihal Apaydin, R. Shane Tubbs, Marios Loukas, Fabrice Duparc

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

The axillary nerve is invariably reported to be one of the most commonly injured nerves during surgical procedures of the shoulder, and the importance of protecting it cannot be overemphasized. Many researchers have tried to identify safe regions, but the results vary among published studies. The axillary nerve may also be injured during acute trauma to the shoulder or by chronic repeated trauma as has been described in the quadrilateral space syndrome. The nerve injury may occur together with shoulder dislocation and rotator cuff tear, thus comprising the so-called “unhappy triad” of the shoulder joint. Simple attention to potential variations in the origin and course of the axillary nerve and its relationship to the shoulder capsule and having a precise knowledge of “safe zones” during operations can enhance clinical outcomes. The objective of this review, therefore, is to discuss the surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve and further emphasize the clinical importance of the its injury following shoulder trauma.

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Title: Review of the surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve and the anatomic basis of its iatrogenic and traumatic injury
Authors: Nihal Apaydin
R. Shane Tubbs
Marios Loukas
Fabrice Duparc
Publication date: 01-03-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0594-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Review of the surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve and the anatomic basis of its iatrogenic and traumatic injury

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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