Obstetric palsy usually occurs during a difficult delivery. It presents with internal rotation and inability to use certain muscles of the upper limb. This is a result of an injury to the nerves that supply that particular upper limb. The long-term prognosis is variable, with some babies acquire full recovering and others present severe restriction in function of the upper limb for the rest of their lives. In our clinic, we offer physiotherapy advice treatment and resting positions of the arm during the first six months of life which mainly entails gentle exercises in order to avoid contractures and allow nerve recovery to occur. In the older child, we offer surgical intervention in children with functional deficiencies. Surgical treatment may entail humeral osteotomies and/or tendon transfers.
