A New Surface Anatomy Method for Locating the Axillary Nerve–the Clinical Safety Implications for Shoulder Procedures and Vaccinations

Background: It has previously been reported that the axillary nerve is located 5-7cm distal to the acromion. However, this simplistic description of the nerve’s location does not take into account how much variation there is in human anatomy and size between individuals. This study tested our hypothesis that irrespective of an individual’s anatomy and size, the axillary nerve is more accurately located halfway between the Distal end of the Deltoid insertion and the lateral edge of the acromion. Methods and Result: Authors dissected 12 fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders. The authors took various measurements and found that the axillary nerve was, as hypothesized, accurately and reliably located at the halfway point between the lateral border of the acromion and the deltoid insertion. Conclusion: This simple, accurate, and reliable method of predicting where the axillary nerve is located will assist surgeons and health practitioners who need to know where the axillary nerve is located, such as during shoulder procedures and vaccinations.