Erb’s Palsy
Arm Paralysis from Birth Injury
14CHAPTER
127
WHAT IS IT?
Erb’s palsy is a paralysis of the muscles in a baby’s
arm, caused by injury of the nerves in the shoulder at
birth (during delivery).
The baby lies with one arm and hand twisted
backward and does not move the arm as much as the
other.
If the full range of motion of the arm is not kept
through regular exercise, contractures will develop
that may prevent lifting the arm above the shoulder
or turning the hand palm up.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
Nerve damage causing Erb’s palsy occurs in
approximately 1 out of every 400 births. It is much
more common in babies who are born butt first
(breech) because the shoulder is easily stretched
and the nerves injured.
Severe Erb’s palsy in 14 year old boy.
This is as high as he can lift his arm.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
With the baby,
start range-of-motion
exercises 2 times a
day.
Extend the child’s
arm and turn the
hand upwards.
When the child is old
enough, have him do
exercises himself, for
range of motion and to
increase strength.
Ask him to lift
his arm as high
as he can, turning
the palm up as
far as he can,
Then raise the
arm straight
over the
child’s head.
and then lift
it with the
other hand
as high as he
can, with the
palm up.
Note: If contractures have already formed, do exercises more often, for a longer time.
Each time try to turn the hand up and lift the arm as high as possible. Hold it in the
stretched position while you count to 25, or sing a song.