2004 Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injuries eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: In 1764, Smellie described bilateral arm paralysis in a newborn. In 1872, Duchenne de Boulogne coined the term obstetrical paralysis. In 1874, Erb described the upper C5-C6 paralysis, and in 1885, Klumpke described paralysis of the lower plexus. In modern times, Gilbert has popularized surgical reconstruction of obstetrical brachial plexus injuries.
Obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) refers to injury to all or a portion of the brachial plexus noted at the time of delivery. Injuries associated with the upper brachial plexus are termed Erb palsies, and those associated with the lower brachial plexus are termed Klumpke palsies. Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries often are associated with large weight at birth and shoulder dystocia. Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries are rarely (1% of cases) noted in neonates born via cesarean delivery.
Synonyms and related keywords: obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, OBPP, obstetrical paralysis, C5-C6 paralysis, lower plexus paralysis, Erb palsy, Klumpke palsy
Mackinnon, Novak & Baratz 2004 Updated 2010