Almost one out of every 10,000 babies born via vaginal delivery is affected with Erb's Palsy or Brachial Plexus Palsy as part of birth trauma. In vast majority of cases, the symptoms resolve spontaneously requiring no medical or surgical management, but in some babies the injury is severe requiring urgent medical attention to prevent permanent disability. 

It is also vital to understand that this injury is almost always 100% preventable. Erb Palsy injuries are generally a result of excessive force used during delivery which can damage the infant's brachial plexus. (See references to find out more about the causes of Erb's Palsy)

If you are unfortunately enough to go through this ordeal then help is available through various law firms. Simply search in Google for erb's palsy and you should find suitable representation.

Below are a few common treatment modalities for resolution of symptoms:

Physical therapy:

Physical therapy is one of the popular holistic methods of treatment that are associated with least complications.  Physical therapy promotes pain-free movements, resolution of nerve inflammation and early return of normal functioning.

Physical therapy includes techniques such as gentle massage, mild traction and limb activity to maintain range of motion are most effective and easy to perform in pediatric aged children. Physical therapy also has supplemental benefits as it helps strenghten and stabilize the muscles to prevent atrophy.

Medical options:

A variety of medical options are also available that may be employed depending upon the pattern of nerve injury. Botox injections can be given in cases when nerve is recovering spontaneously in order to stabilize shoulder joint and to prevent dislocation of shoulder (due to weakness of nerves). Botox injections also help in prevention of contractures.

Surgical options:

Surgical options are employed when the trauma to brachial plexus is severe and refractory to non- surgical remedies. Surgical manipulations aim at restoring normal nervous anatomy and physiology if alternative methods are not successful at alleviating the symptoms. The primary surgical interventions are mostly exploratory to ascertain the cause and manipulation to improve the treatment outcomes. Such surgeries can be performed when the baby is 3 to 6 month old.

Some of the more common surguries performed are "Nerve transplants (usually from the opposite arm or limb), Sub Scapularis releases and Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfers." (2)

Tendon transplantation: A surgical solution

Tendon transplantation is reserved in cases when all other treatment modalities fail to restore normal functioning of upper limb. Surgery involving the tendon transplantation is performed when the baby is 5 to 6 month old. It is recommended to manage the primary complications like deformities or contractures before reconstructive surgical procedures (1)

Prognosis of surgical repair:

Joel B. Adler suggested in his research report published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (1) that the complete resolution of symptoms may take up to 18 months since recovery and healing processes are fairly slow in nerves. Moreover, in most cases some degree of residual deformity persists that may require a corrective surgery at a later date.

References:

1. ADLER, J. B., & PATTERSONJR, R. L. (1967). Erb's Palsy LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TREATMENT IN EIGHTY-EIGHT CASES. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 49(6), 1052-1064.

2. "Erbs Palsy." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 15 June 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erbs_Palsy>.

3. "Treatment of Erb's Palsy." Treatment of Erb's Palsy. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 June 2013. <http://www.erbpalsy.org/treatment.html>.