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.

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