Neuropathies of the Shoulder Girdle and Brachium

Nontraumatic neuropathies of the shoulder and brachium result from Pancoast tumors, brachial plexus neuritis, thoracic outlet syndrome, proximal compression of the radial nerve, and supracondylar compression of the median nerve. Although these pathologies often require multidisciplinary intervention, patients with these conditions often first present for orthopaedic evaluation. The surgeon should take care to elicit a history of trauma in their workup because this too can be an important cause of neuropathy. A practical description of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these pathologies is important for the orthopaedic surgeon.