Erb's palsy is a type of brachial plexus birth palsy, most commonly caused by excessive traction or stretching of the brachial plexus during a difficult delivery. Shoulder dystocia, where the anterior shoulder of the fetus becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis, is the most significant obstetric risk factor. This situation often requires maneuvers that can put undue stress on the infant's neck and shoulder, leading to nerve injury. Other risk factors include high birth weight (macrosomia) and prolonged labor.
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