Axillary Neuropathy

In neuropathies around the shoulder, the small size of nerves, the complex regional anatomy and problems of access due to the acoustic shadowing from superficial bone structures, makes direct evaluation of nerves difficult with US. Axillary neuropathy may be caused by stretching injuries (anterior dislocation) or extrinsic compression in the quadrilateral space caused by fractures of the upper humerus, improper use of crutches, casts, fibrous bands and inferior (from the 9 to 7o clock positions) paragle-... 

The systemic complications of brachial plexus anesthesia are similar to those seen with others if sufficient drug enters the circulation. Injections outside the axillary sheath result in higher plasma concentrations of local anesthetic than intrasheath injection (SEDA-22, 135). However, several other complications are specific to this route. Local complications include hematoma and infection. Horner s syndrome, temporary phrenic nerve blockade, and peripheral neuropathies have been reported (SEDA-18,142). 

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