Questions?What Is Surgery for Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy surgery is a specialized procedure that repairs damaged nerves to restore movement and strength in a child’s arm.
Surgeons may recommend this procedure if physical therapy does not lead to natural healing within the first few months, giving children a better chance to regain function and reduce long-term challenges.
Erb’s palsy is a birth injury that damages the brachial plexus nerves in a baby’s shoulder. This network of nerves controls arm and shoulder movement. When the brachial plexus nerves are stretched or torn during delivery, it can lead to weakness or loss of mobility in the arm.
Most children recover without Erb’s palsy surgery, but in severe cases, surgical intervention may improve arm function.
Surgery for Erb’s palsy can be expensive. Since the condition is often caused by medical errors during childbirth, many families choose to take legal action, which may help cover these costs.
We work with Erb’s palsy lawyers who have helped families nationwide recover over $1 billion from birth injury lawsuits, including those involving Erb’s palsy.
Find out if a top Erb’s palsy attorney can help you seek the financial compensation and justice your family deserves.
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Types of Erb’s Palsy Surgery
Erb’s palsy surgery includes several specialized procedures designed to repair nerve damage and improve arm and shoulder function.
The type of surgery depends on the severity of the brachial plexus injury, the child’s age, and the extent of recovery over time.
Learn more about the types of surgery for Erb’s palsy below.
Nerve Graft Surgery
Nerve graft surgery involves replacing damaged or non-functioning nerves with healthy nerves taken from another part of the body.
This procedure allows the grafted nerve to serve as a bridge, reconnecting the damaged area and helping restore function.
Infants and young children with severe nerve damage that has been identified early are usually the best candidates for nerve graft surgery.
Nerve Transfer Surgery
Nerve transfer surgery connects a nearby functioning nerve to the damaged nerve to restore movement in the arm.
This procedure bypasses the damaged area entirely and uses a healthy nerve from a less critical local part of the body as a donor.
Nerve transfer surgery is ideal for babies when the original nerve cannot be repaired or grafted.
Muscle Transfer Surgery
Muscle transfer surgery moves healthy muscles from one part of the body to the affected area to improve mobility and strength in the arm or shoulder.
This type of surgery is typically used for older children who have experienced significant muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tissue) due to prolonged nerve damage.
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Tendon Transfer Surgery
Tendon transfer surgery involves moving healthy tendons from one part of the body to the affected arm or shoulder to restore movement and strength.
This type of surgery for Erb’s palsy can help improve mobility and increase the arm’s range of motion, especially in cases where other surgeries alone are insufficient.
This procedure is often recommended for children who experience limited arm function due to severe muscle weakness or damage.
Tendon Release Surgery
Tendon release surgery involves cutting tight or shortened tendons in the affected arm to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness.
This procedure helps children regain functional movement and is often recommended for younger children with contractures (tightening) caused by prolonged Erb’s palsy.
Triangle Tilt Surgery
Triangle tilt surgery realigns the shoulder joints to correct deformities and improve arm mobility.
By addressing structural issues in the shoulder, triangle tilt surgery improves the child’s ability to use their arm effectively.
This surgical treatment is typically performed on children with severe shoulder misalignment resulting from Erb’s palsy.
Does My Child Need Surgery for Erb’s Palsy?
Not every child with the condition requires surgery for Erb’s palsy. Many newborns with nerve damage recover naturally or with physical therapy within a few months of age.
However, if your child shows limited progress or has severe nerve damage, surgery for Erb’s palsy may provide the best chance to improve arm movement and strength.
Every child’s situation is unique. If you’re uncertain about whether surgery for Erb’s palsy could be an option for your baby, reach out to our team at the Birth Injury Justice Center.
We have experienced registered nurses on staff who can help.
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Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Erb’s Palsy Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery from surgery for Erb’s palsy varies depending on the type of procedure and your child’s unique needs.
Nerve transfer surgery recovery time can be lengthy because nerves grow slowly — often taking months or even years to reconnect and restore function. During this period, it’s essential to monitor your child’s progress closely.
To protect the surgical site and support healing, your child may need an Erb’s palsy splint.
Splints after Erb’s palsy surgery can help:
- Encourage safe movement
- Maintain proper arm positioning
- Prevent contractures (muscle tightening and shortening)
Patience and consistent follow-up care are key to recovery. Various types of Erb’s palsy therapy, tailored to your child’s needs, play a critical role in improving range of motion and rebuilding strength.
With the right care and support, many children see significant progress following surgery for Erb’s palsy.
Erb’s Palsy Surgery Cost
The cost of surgery for Erb’s palsy can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the hospital where it is performed.
Nerve grafts or transfers often involve specialized equipment and extended surgical times, which can increase the cost.
Additionally, follow-up care, like physical therapy and rehabilitation, adds to the overall expense.
- Severity of the nerve damage: More extensive injuries may require multiple surgeries or advanced procedures
- Type of procedure: Nerve transfers, muscle transfers, or other corrective surgeries differ in cost
- Rehabilitation needs: Physical therapy or occupational therapy often plays a critical role in recovery
- Geographic location: Surgical costs may vary based on the region and facility
For families concerned about the financial burden of Erb’s palsy surgery, there are resources available to help. Many parents decide to pursue compensation through an Erb’s palsy lawsuit settlement.
Erb’s palsy lawsuits can hold medical providers accountable for preventable birth injuries. They can help families recover funds for medical expenses, including surgery for Erb’s palsy and long-term care.
If you are unsure how your family will afford your child’s surgery for Erb’s palsy, our team is here to help you understand your options.
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What Are the Goals of Surgery for Erb’s Palsy?
Although milder cases tend to heal on their own, severe cases can leave permanent damage without Erb’s palsy treatment. Surgery is usually the only option when physical therapy is not enough.
The goal of surgery for Erb’s palsy is to help the child regain arm, elbow, and shoulder function. Erb’s palsy surgery can help children live their best lives and complete daily tasks with ease.
Surgery for Erb’s palsy is most effective when performed within the first 6 months of life, according to Mayo Clinic.
Since the nervous system of a baby is new and easily molded, nerve transfers at this age have a good chance of success.
However, surgery is not always totally effective. Many children still experience weakness in their arm, hand, or shoulder as they continue to grow.
Your doctor may recommend additional Erb’s palsy surgery when your child is older to improve functionality and range of motion.
What to Expect With Surgery for Erb’s Palsy
Surgery for Erb’s palsy is a delicate procedure that can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the nerve damage. During the operation, surgeons take precautions to ensure the child’s comfort and safety, like proper positioning and protecting pressure points.
Surgeons focus on repairing the damaged nerves near the base of the neck. While they work to avoid complications, there is a small risk of damage to nearby nerves due to the sensitive structures involved.
If a nerve graft is required, surgeons may take a healthy nerve from another part of the child’s body, often the back of the leg. This involves 2 to 3 small horizontal incisions that typically result in minimal scarring.
After surgery, the child’s arm is carefully bandaged, and doctors may use a sling or shoulder cast to protect the repaired nerves and limit movement.
Most children remain in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. They will usually need to wear the cast for 4 to 6 weeks to support the healing process.
Get Legal Help for Erb’s Palsy
Many parents may feel uncertain and overwhelmed when considering Erb’s palsy surgery for their child. It’s important to know that treatment options, like surgery for Erb’s palsy and physical therapy, can help your child improve arm movement and live a better life.
If medical negligence caused your child’s Erb’s palsy, you may be eligible for financial compensation. This money can help pay for treatments like Erb’s palsy surgery and therapy.
An experienced Erb’s palsy lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the money your family deserves.
Our legal partners have secured over $1 billion for families affected by birth injuries like Erb’s palsy. We can help families in all 50 states and may be able to help your family, too.
Call (800) 914-1562 right now or get a free case review to see if you may qualify for compensation.
Erb’s Palsy Surgery FAQs
What is the success rate of brachial plexus surgery?
The success rate of brachial plexus surgery depends on the severity of the nerve injury and the type of procedure performed.
For infants requiring Erb’s palsy surgery, getting an early nerve graft or nerve transfer can restore significant arm function in many cases, especially when performed within the first 6 months of life.
Success rates are highest for mild to moderate injuries.
Is brachial plexus surgery risky?
Brachial plexus surgery is generally safe, but like most surgical procedures, it carries some risks.
Potential risks of Erb’s palsy surgery include:
- Anesthesia complications
- Bleeding
- Damage to nearby nerves or tissues
- Infection
Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, and outcomes are often positive, especially when surgery for Erb’s palsy is performed early.
Discussing your child’s specific case with a specialist can provide a clearer understanding of potential risks and benefits.
We have on-staff registered nurses who can answer your questions.
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How long does brachial plexus surgery take to heal?
Healing from brachial plexus surgery takes time, as nerves grow and repair very slowly. Initial recovery begins within the first few weeks.
However, it can take several months to years for full results, depending on the severity of the injury and type of surgery.
During this time, your child may need physical therapy and may wear an Erb’s palsy splint or sling to protect the healing nerves and improve arm function.
What type of surgeon does brachial plexus surgery?
A pediatric neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in nerve and microsurgery typically performs brachial plexus surgery.
These surgeons have expertise in delicate procedures involving nerves, muscles, and tendons to restore movement and function in children with brachial plexus injuries.
How much does brachial plexus surgery cost?
The cost of brachial plexus surgery can be high, and insurance may not cover all expenses. Costs can include the surgery itself, hospital stays, and ongoing physical therapy.
For families concerned about covering these costs, financial assistance may be available through an Erb’s palsy lawsuit settlement.
If you qualify, we can connect you with an experienced lawyer who can file an Erb’s palsy lawsuit on your behalf.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top attorney near you.
Can nonsurgical treatments help with Erb’s palsy?
Yes, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, exercises guided by a physical therapist or occupational therapist, and, in some cases, botulinum toxin injections may improve strength and movement. However, Erb’s palsy surgery may still be needed if progress is limited.
What is a nerve avulsion in Erb’s palsy?
A nerve avulsion occurs when the nerve fibers are torn away from the spinal cord. This severe injury may require nerve surgery, such as grafting or nerve transfer, to restore function in the upper extremity.
What is neuroma, and how does it relate to Erb’s palsy surgery?
A neuroma is a mass of scar tissue that forms as damaged nerves attempt to heal. If a neuroma blocks nerve signals, surgeons may perform neurolysis or nerve grafting to remove the scarred area and improve arm function.
