Injury to axillary nerve

This code represents a traumatic injury specifically affecting the axillary nerve, which is responsible for motor function of the deltoid and teres minor muscles, and sensation over the lateral shoulder. Such an injury can result in weakness or paralysis of shoulder abduction and external rotation, along with sensory deficits.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a direct injury to the axillary nerve, often due to shoulder dislocations, humeral fractures, or direct trauma to the shoulder. The physician's notes should specify the nerve involved and the traumatic etiology.

• Differentiate from brachial plexus injuries (953.x) unless the axillary nerve is the only nerve specified as injured.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "injury" rather than a non-traumatic neuropathy or compression.
• Code the underlying cause of the injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation) first, followed by this code as a secondary diagnosis.