What is the most common type of brachial plexus injury?

Brachial plexus injuries can occur during childbirth, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia. The most common type of brachial plexus injury is known as Duchenne-Erb palsy, which typically affects the upper trunk of the brachial plexus (C5-C6 nerve roots). This injury is characterized by weakness or paralysis in the arm, particularly leading to an inability to abduct the shoulder and flex the elbow.

Duchenne-Erb palsy usually results from excessive lateral traction on the head during delivery, which can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves. Infants may present with an arm that is adducted, internally rotated, and extended at the elbow, often referred to as the "waiter's tip" position. Early recognition and management are crucial for optimal recovery.

In contrast, other options such as Klumpke's palsy, which affects the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8-T1), are less common and typically involve paralysis of the hand and wrist, presenting differently than Duchenne-Erb palsy. Conditions like spinal cord injury or median nerve injury are also not classified under brachial plexus injuries specifically and have different etiologies and clinical presentations. Thus