Erb’s Palsy:
Question
Solution
Erb’s palsy
head and shoulder whereby the nerves of the plexus are violently stretched.
(upper trunk of the plexus injured).
medially rotated and the forearm is extended and pronated (Policeman’s lip).
Klumpke’s paralysis
paralysis of intrinsic hand Ms & CB/T1 dermatome distribution numbness.
Comparing Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy
| Feature | Erb’s Palsy | Klumpke’s Palsy |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve Roots Affected | C5-C6 (sometimes C7) | C8-T1 |
| Cause |
Excessive traction on the neck during delivery or trauma (e.g., shoulder dystocia, fall on the shoulder) |
Hyperabduction of the arm (e.g., breech delivery, catching oneself while falling from a height) |
| Paralyzed Muscles | Deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, biceps brachii, brachialis |
Intrinsic muscles of the hand (lumbricals, interossei), flexors of the wrist and fingers |
| Clinical Presentation |
“Waiter’s Tip” posture (arm adducted, internally rotated, elbow extended, forearm pronated, wrist flexed) |
“Claw Hand” deformity (hyperextension at MCP joints, flexion at PIP & DIP joints) |
| Sensory Loss | Lateral arm and forearm (C5-C6 dermatome) | Medial forearm and hand (C8-T1 dermatome) |
| Reflexes Affected | Absent biceps and brachioradialis reflex | Intact biceps reflex, but absent grasp reflex |
| Associated Syndrome | – |
Horner’s Syndrome (if sympathetic fibers of T1 are affected: ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis) |
| Prognosis | Good with early physiotherapy, mild cases recover within months |
Poorer prognosis if there is nerve root avulsion; may require nerve grafting |
