Brachial Plexus Injuries

The most commonly injured nerves around the shoulder are the axillary nerve (which supplies deltoid muscle), the long thoracic nerve (which supplies serratus anterior) and the suprascapular nerve, (which supplies infraspinatus). Suprascapular neuropathy is very common in volleyball players and throwing athletes and leads to wasting at the back of the shoulder blade. Long thoracic nerve palsy leads to scapular 'winging'. Axillary nerve damage leads to weakness in lifting up the arm to the side.

Both Brisbane's Brent Tate and St George's Jason Ryles had delayed starts to the 2004 NRL season with brachial plexus damage, from injuries that occurred in 2003. However, Adrian Morley of the Roosters, recovered from a similar injury at an early age.

An arm sling may sometimes be required to help provide pain relief after brachial plexus injuries. The ProCare Shoulder Immobilizer is used in hospitals across Australia and the DonJoy UltraSling III is often used by our elite athletes.