Anatomic study of the axillary nerve in a Chinese cadaveric population: correlation of the course of the nerve with proximal humeral fixation with intramedullary nail or external skeletal fixation.

Introduction: The axillary nerve can be injured during external skeletal fixation with Schanz screws or proximal locking screws of intramedullary nails. Being aware of the axillary nerve's anatomic relationship to the proximal humerus is vital for avoiding complications.

Methods: We investigated the relationship of the axillary nerve to surrounding bony landmarks by studying 88 axillary nerves in 44 embalmed cadaveric adult Chinese males.