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Home » Consumer Information » Medical Malpractice » Birth Injury

Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy is a kind of brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is an interlinking group of nerves that travel from the spine into the shoulder and end at the fingertips. Brachial refers to the arm, while plexus connotates a system of nerves. The brachial plexus relays signals from the spine to the through the arm and to the hand. In turn, these impulses result in the motion of the arm, hand, and fingers. Erb's palsy causes damage to these nerves and can even leave the muscles that they control paralyzed. The severity of debilitation is dependent upon the specific nerves that are harmed.

The majority of injuries related to Erb's palsy take place during the exertion of childbirth, as the newborn's shoulder gets stuck and yanked behind the mother's pelvic bone. When the shoulder becomes lodged, the brachial plexus may be compressed, pulled, or torn. The four variations of brachial plexus injuries include:

  • Stretch -- varies depending on the amount of extension involved. The nerves may be compressed due to inflammation of the surrounding tissue caused by the shoulder being trapped. This is the mildest form of brachial plexus injury, and it will normally heal one or two years later with close to full functionality.
  • Neuroma -- involves scar tissue that applies pressure to the nerves. An operation may be the sole option to restore complete mobility.
  • Rupture -- involves tearing of the nerve in multiple areas. Surgery may be a requirement to return to a full range of motion.
  • Avulsion -- involves the separation of nerves from the spinal cord. This is the worst brachial plexus injury one can endure; an intricate surgical endeavor, including a potential muscle transfer, is necessary to resume normal activity.

Since many infants born with Erb's palsy get better without surgery, your child will initially be examined at one month old and again at three months to determine if the nerves are healing on their own. The baby may turn two before recuperation has concluded, so exercises to encourage flexibility are vital to keeping the joint loose and from stiffening up.

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