Erb's palsy

Erb's palsy presents in a newborn with decreased movement of the involved arm, usually in the 'waiter tip' position.

Typically recovers over the course of the first 6 to 12 months of life.

Early referral to a brachial plexus birth palsy clinic is imperative for oversight of the infant’s care. This facilitates serial exams and timely surgical intervention if recovery is inadequate.

Physiotherapy or occupational therapy is used in children with brachial plexus birth palsies in order to maintain motion and prevent contracture while the nerves reinnervate muscles affected by the initial injury.

Nerve reconstruction or muscle transfer surgery may be needed to improve function in children with incomplete recovery.

A type of brachial plexus birth palsy (a paralysis of the upper extremity due to an injury to the nerves that control movement and sensation to the upper extremity occurring at the time of birth). Erb's palsy is often a consequence of a delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia. It typically involves the C5 and C6 nerve roots.[1]Erb W. Uber eine eigentumliche lokalisation von lahmungen im plexusbrachialis. Naturhist Med Vehr Heidelberg Vehr. 1874;2:130-136.