What is the classic arm position associated with Erb's Palsy?

What is the classic arm position associated with Erb's Palsy?

• A. The arm hangs by the side, in internal rotation with the forearm extended and pronated
• B. The arm is raised above the head with an external rotation
• C. The arm is held tightly against the chest in adduction
• D. The arm is across the body with flexion at the elbow

Answer: (A)

The classic arm position associated with Erb's Palsy is characterized by the arm hanging by the side in internal rotation, with the forearm extended and pronated. This position results from injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, typically involving the fifth and sixth cervical nerves (C5-C6). Such nerve injuries can occur during childbirth, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia. In this condition, the affected muscles, particularly those that are innervated by the damaged nerves, such as the deltoid, biceps, and brachialis, are unable to function properly. This leads to a loss of shoulder abduction and external rotation, resulting in the characteristic "waiter's tip" position where the arm is adducted, internally rotated, and the forearm is extended and pronated. Recognizing this distinctive posture is vital for clinicians evaluating newborns for potential nerve injuries after delivery. The other options describe positions associated with different conditions or muscular imbalances. Thus, they do not accurately reflect the presentation of Erb's Palsy, which is why they are not correct in this context.

The classic arm position associated with Erb's Palsy is characterized by the arm hanging by the side in internal rotation, with the forearm extended and pronated. This position results from injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, typically involving the fifth and sixth cervical nerves (C5-C6). Such nerve injuries can occur during childbirth, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia.

In this condition, the affected muscles, particularly those that are innervated by the damaged nerves, such as the deltoid, biceps, and brachialis, are unable to function properly. This leads to a loss of shoulder abduction and external rotation, resulting in the characteristic "waiter's tip" position where the arm is adducted, internally rotated, and the forearm is extended and pronated. Recognizing this distinctive posture is vital for clinicians evaluating newborns for potential nerve injuries after delivery.

The other options describe positions associated with different conditions or muscular imbalances. Thus, they do not accurately reflect the presentation of Erb's Palsy, which is why they are not correct in this context.