Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Atypical Erb’s Palsy Presentation in a Premature Newborn: A Case Report

Abstract

Mendoza L

Objectives: The aim of this study is two-fold: to present an atypical Erb’s palsy presentation in a premature newborn and to report his recovery through conservative care after three months without spontaneous resolution.

Case presentation: A 3-month-old male presented at the clinic with right side Erb’s palsy following a cesarean delivery at 33 weeks of gestation from a mother with a bicornuate uterus. The mother and the baby had no other risk factors commonly associated with this condition.

Intervention and outcome: Treatment consisting of light mobilization and soft tissue techniques was performed twice a week for 9 weeks for a total of 18 visits along with postural advice. After 18 visits, there was no mobility restriction of the neck, and bilateral abduction and flexion of arms was possible. Biceps and grabbing reflexes were improved. The baby was able to lie in the prone position with the head upright and arms at 90° flexion.

Conclusion: We are reporting a rare case of Erb’s palsy in a premature baby, which is not documented in the scientific literature as a common risk factor. Before surgery is considered, chiropractic care should be considered as a conservative and non-invasive approach for clinical management of Erb’s palsy in cases without spontaneous recovery.