All neonates born in the district hospital in Rychnov nad Kněžnou during years 1999 - 2001 were retrospectively evaluated for brachial palsy. Among 20781iveborn neonates were 5 with brachial palsy. The incidence was 0.24 %. All sick infants presented with the upper type (Erb-Duchenne). All of them were treated by positioning and physical therapy. During the follow-up no baby had any neurological sequelae in the affected arm. The author discusses controversies as regards the early management of this injury and demands their unification.

        Key words: neonates, brachial palsy