• Michelle Chong, Rojas GomezMaria FernandaMFClinica Cirulaser Andes, Bogata, Colombia., and Philip Peng.
• Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, oronto Western Hospital, Univeristy Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2024 Oct 26.

AbstractInnervation of the shoulder joint is complex and remains poorly understood among regional anesthesiologists and chronic pain specialists. Current literature supports the important contribution of the axillary nerve to the total innervation of the shoulder, as well as its blockade for perioperative pain and denervation for chronic shoulder pain. However, a description of the entire course of the axillary nerve, the corresponding optimal targets, and the sonoanatomy pertinent to pain intervention is lacking. This educational article discusses in detail the functional anatomy and sonographic identification of possible windows for axillary nerve intervention. We discuss the contribution, extent, and type of innervation the axillary nerve provides to the shoulder joint, which is often misunderstood. Ultimately, this article serves to stimulate thoughts and ideas for future research in an area where literature is scarce.© American Society of Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

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