Management of shoulder dystocia.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the management of shoulder dystocia currently practiced by physicians in the Middle Tennessee region and the frequency of use of the all-fours (Gaskin) maneuver in clinical practice.


METHODS
A questionnaire was developed and sent to physicians in the Middle Tennessee area, asking how they would manage shoulder dystocia in specific practice scenarios.


RESULTS
The methods most commonly used to manage shoulder dystocia are episiotomy, the McRoberts maneuver, and suprapubic pressure. Twenty-four percent of practitioners listed more than four options for the management of shoulder dystocia. Only 8% of those surveyed claimed knowledge of and use of the all-fours maneuver.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational programs should be developed to inform practitioners of additional options for the management of shoulder dystocia.
Drummond
S B
SB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.
Bruner
J P
JP
Reed
G W
GW
D000465:Algorithms; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D004420:Dystocia / Q000628:therapy*; D004841:Episiotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013714:Tennessee