skip banner - Return to original view
site viewing options
 
Parents|Medical Information|Professionals|In your area|Get involved|Campaigns
Print page

Directory Cover image Subscribe to the Contact a Family Directory

 

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Erb's Palsy

Background

Erb’s palsy describes a paralysis of the nerves supplying the arm, mainly occurring after trauma during birth. The incidence of Erb’s palsy is now established at 1 in 2,000 live births.

There are five big nerves which constitute the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that begin at the spinal cord in the neck controlling the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Each of these nerves has specific functions:

  • C5 shoulder movement (in particular, the ability to lift the arm sideways)
  • C6 elbow flexion (being able to bend the elbow)
  • C7 wrist extension
  • C8 T1 hand function.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written November 1992 by Professor R Birch, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK. Last updated November 2011 by Mr Marco Sinisi, Consultant Nerve Surgeon, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.

 

Tell us what you think of this information...

Print whole article Print whole article

 


This Web Site © Copyright, Contact a Family 2011
Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
Tel: 020 7608 8700

Registered Charity No. 284912. Charity registered in Scotland No. SC039169
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 1633333.
HM Revenue & Customs charity tax reference No. XN54769. VAT Reg. No. GB 749 3846 82

Contact a Family Twitter Contact a Family Facebook Contact a Family iTunes Contact a Family YouTube