ERB'S PALSY
Erb's palsy also Known as brachial plexus injury that results from injury tothe upper brachial plexus at birth. The injury can stret rupture or avulse the roots of the plexus that from the upper trunk.
CAUSES
The most frequent cause of Erb's palsy is excessive sideways pulling or overstretching of a baby's head and neck in opposite directions during childbirth, particularly in difficult deliveries such as forceps-assisted or breech deliveries.
SYMPTOMS
Weakness or paralysis of the shoulder, arm, and forearm muscles (with minimal involvement of the wrist).
"Waiter's tip" (policeman's tip) posture, characterized by:
Shoulder adducted and medially (internally) rotated
Elbow extended
Forearm pronated
Wrist slightly flexed
Loss of shoulder abduction and external rotation.
Weak elbow flexion and forearm supination.
Reduced or absent biceps reflex (C5–C6).
Sensory loss over the lateral aspect of the arm and forearm.
In severe cases, muscle wasting and joint stiffness may develop if untreated.
Did your baby have a difficult birth and isn't moving one arm normally?
It could be Erb's palsy, a brachial plexus injury that benefits from early physiotherapy intervention.
At Physionautics, our pediatric physiotherapy team focuses on:
Restoring shoulder and arm function
Preventing joint stiffness and muscle tightness
Improving strength and coordination
Teaching parents safe exercises to continue at home
Early intervention can maximize recovery. Schedule an assessment with Physionautics today.
