Final answer:
Injury to the axillary nerve can lead to weakness in shoulder abduction, sensory loss in the shoulder region, and limited range of motion. Clinical presentation may include difficulty raising the arm to the side, numbness or tingling in the shoulder, and difficulty with certain shoulder movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Injury to the Axillary Nerve: Clinical Presentation
Damage to the axillary nerve can result in specific clinical symptoms. Some common presentations include:
- Weakness in shoulder abduction: The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid muscle, which is responsible for lifting the arm away from the body. If the nerve is injured, the patient may experience difficulty raising their arm to the side.
- Sensory loss in the shoulder region: The axillary nerve also provides sensation to the skin over the shoulder. Injury to the nerve can result in numbness or tingling in this area.
- Limited range of motion: Due to weakness and pain, the patient with axillary nerve injury may have difficulty performing certain shoulder movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.
It is important for a healthcare professional to assess the patient's symptoms and perform a thorough examination to determine the extent of injury to the axillary nerve.