J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1993 Jul-Aug; 16(6): 415-8.

Resolution of infantile Erb's palsy utilizing chiropractic treatment.

Harris SL, Wood KW.

Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN 55431.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case study of infantile Erb's palsy that responded to conservative chiropractic care. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 5-wk-old infant boy suffered from a limp left arm. A clinical diagnosis of Erb-Duchenne palsy was made. Birth records were obtained to further substantiate the diagnosis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient received specific chiropractic adjustments to the mid-cervical spine and muscle stimulation therapy with an upper extremity exercise program. The Erb's palsy resolved with only a mild residual "waiters tip" deformity within 2 months. CONCLUSION: In this case, chiropractic adjustments with muscle stimulation therapy is suggested as an effective treatment for Erb's palsy. Further studies are required to better understand chiropractic's effectiveness in Erb's palsy cases.