ABSTRACT
E – Upper brachial plexus Upper brachial plexus injuries, also known as Erb’s palsy, involve the C5 and C6 nerve roots (the brachial plexus is made up of the roots C5 to T1). ey are commonly caused by traction injuries, e.g. motorcycle accidents or birth injuries (due to pulling on the baby’s arm). ere is accid paralysis of the arm abductors, lateral rotators of the shoulder and supinators, so the aected arm hangs limp, is medially rotated, extended at the elbow and pronated with the hand pointing backwards – the waiter’s tip position. Paralysis is accompanied by loss of sensation over the lateral arm and forearm.
