Epidemiology

The overall incidence of BPBI is estimated to be 1.74 per 1000 live births.[15] In the US, the incidence of BPBI has declined from 1.7 to 0.9 cases per 1000 live births over the last few decades.[2][16]​​[17]​​ The decline is in line with the increasing incidence of caesarean deliveries in the US.​[2][16]

The most common type of BPBI is Erb palsy (C5 to C6 nerve involvement), accounting for about 45% of cases of BPBI.[6]​ An additional injury to C7, referred to as extended Erb's palsy, is discovered in roughly 20% to 30% of cases of BPBI.[6][7]​​ Total plexus involvement (C5 to T1), or global plexus palsy, represents about 20% of cases of BPBI.[6][8]​​ Klumpke's palsy (C8 to T1) is the least common, comprising less than 1% of cases of BPBI.[7][9]​​

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