Erb Palsy
(Erb-Duchenne Paralysis; Brachial Plexus Palsy)
Definition
Erb palsy is loss of motion and weakness in the arm of a newborn.
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Causes TOP
Erb palsy happens when a baby's neck is stretched during labor and delivery. This can result in damage to the upper nerves of the neck and shoulder. The nerve damage causes muscles in the baby’s arm to be weak.
Stretching may be caused by:
- A long, difficult delivery
- Delivery of a large baby
- Shoulder dystocia —when the baby's shoulder gets caught above the mother's pubic bone during delivery
- Breech delivery—a baby that is born bottom first instead of head first
Risk Factors TOP
Things that may raise the risk of delivering a baby with Erb palsy are:
- History of delivering larger babies
- History of prolonged labor
- Gestational diabetes
Symptoms TOP
A baby may have:
- Problems moving an arm or shoulder
- An arm that is bent in toward the body
- Poor reflexes in the arm
Diagnosis TOP
Symptoms are often noticed after a baby is born. In others, the doctor may ask about the baby's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Images may need to be taken. This can be done with:
Muscle and nerve activity may need to be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment TOP
Most babies get better with time, though some weakness may remain. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Older children who are not helped by other methods may need surgery to improve function. Choices are:
- Nerve graft or transfer
- Releasing thickened tissue around the joints
- Tendon transfer
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org
REFERENCES:
Abzug JM, Kozin SH. Evaluation and Management of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy. Orthop Clin North Am. 2014 Apr;45(2):225-232.
Brachial plexopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/brachial-plexus-birth-palsy. Accessed January 26, 2021.
Erb’s palsy. Patient UK website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 26, 2021.
Erb's palsy (brachial plexus birth injury). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 26, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 1/26/2021