Following an anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, a patient has flattened contour over the deltoid and inability to abduct the shoulder beyond 15 degrees. He also reports numbness over a small patch on the superolateral aspect of the arm. This sensory deficit is carried by which nerve?

• A Superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm ✓
• B Lower lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm
• C Intercostobrachial nerve
• D Supraclavicular nerves

Explanation

Axillary nerve injury after anterior shoulder dislocation paralyses deltoid and teres minor. The posterior branch of the axillary nerve continues as the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm, supplying the regimental badge area over the lower part of deltoid. The lower lateral cutaneous nerve comes from the radial nerve, so it is not affected in an axillary nerve palsy.

Reference: Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Regions, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.