Peter C. Vitanzo Jr, MD

Isolated axillary neuropathy is a somewhat uncommon diagnosis, but it may not be as rare as might be expected. Given a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and timely studies, the diagnosis needs to be considered in the differential in the proper setting. Sports and other activities in which this injury might occur include overhead sports (eg, volleyball, javelin), racquet sports, gymnastics, rock climbing, workouts that involve shoulder traction (eg, pullups), and contact sports that involve tackling with an extended arm (eg, rugby, American football).