A CADAVERIC STUDY ON THE POSITION OF AXILLARY NERVE, ITS VARIATION IN INDIAN POPULATION AND ITS ORTHOPAEDIC IMPORTANCE

Background and Objectives: Axillary nerve is a terminal branch of the brachial plexus and can undergo injuries or isolated damages during certain orthopaedic procedures. Lack of knowledge in position of the nerve and its variation in the Indian population may lead to in-creased chances of its injuries. This study aims to determine the mean distance of axillary nerve from the (i) anterolateral border of the acromion process and its relation to the length of the humerus, (ii) the distance from the anteromedial tip of the coracoid process; and to compare the data with similar studies from other countries to analyse its differences. Methodology: A cross-sectional study comprising of sixteen upper limbs of embalmed human cadavers with two different approaches namely antero-superior and the deltopectoral approach. The axillary nerve is then found and measured between their respective bony landmarks. Results: Axillary nerve’s position when measured from the acromion process had a positive correlation with the humeral length (r=0.95, p<0.0001). The mean values are then compared with similar studies done in other countries and in India for analysing variations. Interpretations and Conclusion: The mean distance of the axillary nerve from the anterolateral edge of the acromion process and the tip of the coracoid process were measured and found out to be 5.63cm and 3.71cm respectively. An appreciable variation is observed while comparing with papers from other countries. This gives an awareness of the position of the axillary nerve and its variation in the Indian population.