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Erb's Palsy

Background

Erb's Palsy: Brachial Plexus Paralysis

Erb's Palsy describes a paralysis mainly from birth of the nerves supplying the arm. There are three main types of paralysis:

  • Erb's Palsy is a paralysis of the shoulder and elbow, involving the 5th and 6th cervical nerves. This manifests itself with the arm being turned towards the body, the elbow unable to bend and the hand being in the 'waiters tip' position.
  • Klumpke's Paralysis involves the 7th and 8th cervical and 1st thoracic nerves. The result is a flaccid paralysis of the hand which is often associated with Horner syndrome - drooping of the eyelid, the cheek does not sweat and the pupil may be smaller than the unaffected side.
  • Complete paralysis of the arm occurs when all the above five nerves are affected. The entire arm is paralysed and there is demonstrable sensory loss. Horner syndrome is often present as is Torticollis.

The incidence of Erb's Palsy is now established at 1 in 2,000 live births.

What are the causes? View What are the causes?

Medical text written November 1992 by Dr R Birch. Last updated January 2004 by Professor R Birch, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.

 

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