Axillary nerve entrapment is the compression or irritation of the axillary nerve in the shoulder region. The axillary nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus (the nerve network in the shoulder where the nerve roots from the neck to the arm are separated into conjoined bundles) and carries motor nerve fibers to the muscles that provide movement of the shoulder joint and upper arm.
Anatomically, axillary nerve entrapment It usually occurs for the following reasons:
Shoulder dislocation: Shoulder dislocation or recurrent shoulder dislocations can cause compression of the axillary nerve.
Axillary nerve entrapment is usually associated with the following factors:
Shoulder injuries and upper arm (humerus) fractures: Injuries resulting from impact or trauma to the shoulder area and especially humeral head fractures may cause axillary nerve compression.
Overuse: Repetitive overuse of the shoulder area, especially repetitive lifting or weight lifting movements can lead to nerve compression. Axillary nerve entrapment is usually seen in people who engage in excessive activity in the shoulder area, such as athletes, athletes, weight lifters.
Axillary nerve entrapment can affect the following muscles:
Deltoid muscle: Axillary nerve, sends motor nerve fibers to the deltoid muscle. In case of nerve compression, weakening of the deltoid muscle and limitation in raising the arm may occur.
Teres minor muscle: The axillary nerve sends motor nerve fibers to the teres minor muscle. Nerve entrapment can weaken this muscle and restrict external rotation of the shoulder (turning the arm outward from the shoulder).
Weakness: Weakness in shoulder and upper arm movements.
Numbness and tingling in arms: Numbness, tingling or numbness in arm or hand as a result of nerve compression . Melting of the shoulder muscles in advanced cases. The diagnosis of axillary nerve entrapment is usually made based on the physical examination and the patient's symptoms. Doctor, additional tests such as movement tests and nerve conduction velocity tests
Treatment methods may include the following:
Conservative treatment: Resting, pain management (drugs, injections), physical therapy and rehabilitation program, exercises to support the shoulder area, such as nerve compression
Surgical treatment: In case of no response to conservative treatment or severe nerve compression, surgical intervention may be considered. During the surgery, the patient is laid on his side and an incision is made behind the shoulder. As it extends from the outside of the scapula towards the shoulder, the nerve is located under the skin between the muscle spaces (teres minor, deltoid muscle and triceps), and the adhesions around it are cut and expanded, thereby removing the pressure. The treatment method should be determined individually for each patient and should be acted upon according to the recommendations of the specialist.
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