The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm is the terminal sensory branch of the axillary nerve, emerging at the posterior border of the deltoid to supply the skin over the lower deltoid muscle and lateral upper arm. It is the sensory landmark for axillary nerve function.
Numbness over the lateral deltoid in the 'regimental badge' distribution is the classic sign of axillary nerve injury, caused by this nerve's damage. It is assessed in all shoulder dislocations and proximal humeral fractures. Isolated superior lateral cutaneous nerve injury (without motor involvement) can occur from direct trauma to the lateral deltoid region. Recovery is expected in neurapraxic injuries over 6-12 weeks.
Sensory loss over the lateral deltoid from superior lateral cutaneous nerve injury in axillary nerve palsy, presenting as a patch of numbness in the 'regimental badge' area after shoulder dislocation or proximal humeral fracture.
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