Applied Anatomy of the Axillary Nerve for Selective Neurotization of the Deltoid Muscle

Surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve and its implication in the transdeltoid approaches to the shoulder

“…In particular, pattern A is quite similar to pattern IV described by Rouviere and Delmas, 26 according to which the axillary nerve splits into a branch for the teres minor muscle, an anterior branch for the anterior and middle portions of the deltoid muscle, and a posterior branch for its posterior portion. Pattern B is similar to pattern II described by Pernkopf 24 and by Zhao et al, 31 according to which the anterior branch of the axillary nerve innerves the anterior two-thirds of the deltoid muscle, while the posterior branch gives a branch for teres minor muscle and some branches for the posterior one-third of this muscle. A description similar to pattern C was not found in the literature.…”

Combined Nerve Transfers for C5 and C6 Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injury

“…The anterior branch of the axillary nerve contains all fibers that innervate the anterior and middle deltoid muscle and, in 58% of patients, to the posterior part. 20 Multiple nerve transfers for upper-arm-type brachial plexus injuries is not a new technique. To our knowledge Lurje 21 was the first to treat a patient with Erb's paralysis by transfer of the the pectoral nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve, transfer of the long thoracic nerve to the suprascapular nerve, and transfer of the triceps fascicles of the radial nerve to the axillary nerve.…”

The anatomic branch pattern of the axillary nerve

“…2,5,6,10 Procedures performed to regain this function include nerve grafting, nerve transfer, and functional muscle transfer. 7,8,14 Reports on the anatomy of the axillary nerve have been variable. The purpose of this study is to determine the surgical anatomy and innervation pattern of the branches of the axillary nerve and discuss the clinical importance of the presented findings.…”