Which type of rehabilitation is typically recommended for a patient with axillary nerve neuropraxia after a shoulder dislocation?

• A. Surgical intervention
• B. Weight bearing exercises
• C. Progressive rehabilitation with focus on range of motion
• D. Rest without therapy

Answer: (C)

For a patient with axillary nerve neuropraxia following a shoulder dislocation, progressive rehabilitation with a focus on range of motion is recommended because this condition typically involves temporary impairment of nerve function rather than complete nerve damage. The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles and plays a crucial role in shoulder abduction and external rotation.

Rehabilitation during this phase emphasizes restoring mobility and function while minimizing stiffness and enhancing muscle strength gradually. Range of motion exercises are essential to prevent adhesions, promote healing, and encourage the recovery of neuromuscular function as the nerve recovers. This approach allows for the safe restoration of motion and helps in regaining function, provided that the patient experiences no worsening of symptoms.

While surgical intervention may be an option in cases where conservative measures fail or if there is significant nerve damage, it's not typically the first line of treatment for neuropraxia. Weight-bearing exercises may not be appropriate early on as they could place undue stress on the healing structures and exacerbated the injury. Similarly, complete rest without therapy might hinder recovery, leading to stiffness and the potential development of longer-term complications. Thus, the recommended approach in this scenario is a structured rehabilitation program focusing on restoring range of motion.