Final answer:
Compression of the axillary nerve may occur due to humeral fractures, shoulder trauma, or repetitive movements leading to irritation. It's part of the brachial plexus, and its compression can result in shoulder weakness and sensory issues in the deltoid region. Treatment options include physical therapy, splinting, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The axillary nerve can be compressed due to several factors, including trauma to the shoulder region, dislocation or fractures of the humerus, or even repetitive movements that lead to nerve irritation.
The axillary nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus, which arises from spinal nerves C4 through T1. Fractures to the humerus are particularly likely to injure the axillary nerve because of its close association with the humerus; it wraps around the surgical neck of the humerus and runs posterior to the upper arm. Compression of this nerve can lead to a condition known as axillary neuropathy, which may cause shoulder weakness and sensory disturbance in the skin covering the deltoid muscle area.
Treatments for axillary nerve compression may include physical therapy, splinting, or surgical decompression depending on the severity and cause of the compression. It's important that the root cause of the nerve compression is appropriately addressed to allow for the best possible outcome.