Anatomical Study of the Axillary Nerve: Description of a Surgical Blind Zone.

Background: The aim of this study was to quantify the length of the axillary nerve that is able to be dissected through a standard anterior (deltopectoral) and posterior approach. The authors hypothesize that a segment of the axillary nerve cannot be reached using both approaches simultaneously.

Methods: Axillary nerves of five frozen cadavers were dissected using an anterior and posterior approach.