Updated December 30, 2014.
Q. When my baby was delivered, she got stuck on my right side of the pelvis and now she can't move her right shoulder. The x-ray was ok, but now I want to now if this condition is going to be better or not. She has an an appointment in November with the orthopedist and in December with the neurologist, but i would like to know your opinion about it. She can move her hand and elbow a little but she can't lift her arm. Arely, Alvarado, TX
A.
She likely has Erb's Palsy, a form of Brachial Plexus Injury.
Because this is an injury to the nerves, infants with Erb's Palsy often can't move their arm at all or have limited movement, depending on where, and how severe, the injury is.
Fortunately, many of these children do improve by the time they are 3 or 4 months old with just physical therapy and occupational therapy. Other children require surgery to get any improvement.
Although it is great that you are going to see an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Neurologist, if possible, you might try to go to a Brachial Plexus Program that is affiliated with a Children's Hospital, especially if you are not seeing any improvement in the next few months.
From your location in Texas, a referral to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas might also be a good option for you. However, the Texas Children's Brachial Plexus Clinic in Houston is one of the leading centers on dealing with this condition, and they may be another good place for you to go for further treatment if it is needed.
Q. When my baby was delivered, she got stuck on my right side of the pelvis and now she can't move her right shoulder. The x-ray was ok, but now I want to now if this condition is going to be better or not. She has an an appointment in November with the orthopedist and in December with the neurologist, but i would like to know your opinion about it. She can move her hand and elbow a little but she can't lift her arm. Arely, Alvarado, TX
A.
She likely has Erb's Palsy, a form of Brachial Plexus Injury.
Because this is an injury to the nerves, infants with Erb's Palsy often can't move their arm at all or have limited movement, depending on where, and how severe, the injury is.
Fortunately, many of these children do improve by the time they are 3 or 4 months old with just physical therapy and occupational therapy. Other children require surgery to get any improvement.
Although it is great that you are going to see an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Neurologist, if possible, you might try to go to a Brachial Plexus Program that is affiliated with a Children's Hospital, especially if you are not seeing any improvement in the next few months.
From your location in Texas, a referral to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas might also be a good option for you. However, the Texas Children's Brachial Plexus Clinic in Houston is one of the leading centers on dealing with this condition, and they may be another good place for you to go for further treatment if it is needed.
More About Brachial Plexus Injuries:
- Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation
- Brachial Plexus Treatment Protocol
- Texas Children's Brachial Plexus Clinic
- Brachial Plexus Program at Miami Children's Hospital
- Brachial Plexus Playsy Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital
- Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy Clinic at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
- Brachial Plexus Program at Children's Hospital Boston
- Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- more Brachial Plexus Experts