Erb's Arm: A mechanical device to assist people affected by Erb's Palsy in writing

Abstract

Writer's assist proves to be highly beneficial for those people who are affected by Erb's Palsy. Erb's Palsy relates to a handicap wherein the brachial plexus nerve next to the neck is stretched causing the immobilization of the hand. In such situations writing feels like a distant dream. In order to help such patients, this device was made which provides a firm grip between the fingers, mainly the thumb and the index finger to hold a pen or a writing instrument firmly. On adjusting the arm on a support and on shifting the mechanical system left or right with the feet causes the movement of the book from one side to another which requires no mobilization of the arm and causes less strain to the hands and thus helping in accomplishing writing.