A patient after shoulder dislocation presents with inability to initiate abduction of the arm and loss of sensation over the 'regimental badge' area. Which nerve is damaged and at what anatomical site?

• A Radial nerve in the radial groove
• B Musculocutaneous nerve at the coracobrachialis
• C Suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch
• D Axillary nerve at the surgical neck of the humerus ✓

Explanation

The axillary nerve winds around the surgical neck of the humerus and is vulnerable to injury in anterior shoulder dislocation and surgical neck fractures. It supplies the deltoid (abduction 15–90°) and teres minor muscles, and provides cutaneous supply to the 'regimental badge' area (lateral arm, over the deltoid). Loss of deltoid function means loss of shoulder abduction initiation; the supraspinatus (suprascapular nerve) initiates the first 15° before deltoid takes over.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.