After undergoing axillary lymph node dissection, a patient complains of persistent numbness along the inner aspect of her upper arm. Which nerve was most likely injured?

• A Intercostobrachial nerve ✓
• B Thoracodorsal nerve
• C Long thoracic nerve
• D Medial pectoral nerve

Explanation

The intercostobrachial nerve is the lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve and crosses the axilla to supply sensation to the medial and posterior upper arm. It traverses the operative field during axillary clearance, and division causes characteristic numbness or dysaesthesia in this territory. Long thoracic nerve injury causes winged scapula, thoracodorsal injury weakens adduction and internal rotation, and medial pectoral nerve loss affects pectoralis muscles, none producing sensory loss.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.