Nerve to Teres Minor

nervus musculi teretis minoris

A branch of the posterior branch of the axillary nerve (C5-C6), given off as the nerve emerges from the quadrangular space behind the surgical neck of the humerus, that supplies the teres minor muscle. It may also supply the posterior inferior glenohumeral joint capsule.

Anatomical Data

Course & Distribution

Origin	Posterior branch of the axillary nerve (C5, C6)
Course	Arises from the posterior branch of the axillary nerve as it leaves the quadrangular space behind the surgical neck of the humerus and enters the lower border of teres minor
Motor	Teres minor

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Isolated teres minor denervation is a recognised cause of posterior shoulder pain and external rotation weakness, especially in overhead athletes. On MRI, selective fatty atrophy of teres minor with intact infraspinatus and deltoid points to injury of this branch rather than suprascapular neuropathy. In quadrilateral space syndrome, the nerve and the posterior circumflex humeral artery are compressed in the space bounded by teres minor above, teres major below, the long head of triceps medially and the humerus laterally, typically with the arm abducted and externally rotated.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome

Compression of the nerve to teres minor and posterior circumflex humeral artery in the quadrilateral space producing posterior shoulder pain and teres minor atrophy in overhead athletes.

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