🔈 INJURY TO AXILLARY NERVE The deltoid and teres minor atrophy when the axillary nerve (C5 and C6) is severely damaged. Because it passes inferior to the humeral head and winds around the surgical neck of the humerus, the axillary nerve is usually injured during fracture of this part of the humerus. It may also be damaged during anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint and by compression from the incorrect use of crutches. As the deltoid atrophies, the rounded contour of the shoulder is flattened compared to the uninjured side. This gives the shoulder a flattened appearance and produces a slight hollow inferior to the acromion. In addition to atrophy of the deltoid, a loss of sensation may occur over the lateral side of the proximal part of the arm, the area supplied by the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm, the cutaneous branch of the axillary nerve. Best Physiotherapy Clinic for paralysis treatment