Spiral fracture of the radius: an unusual case of shoulder dystocia-associated morbidity.
BACKGROUND
The most common neonatal complications associated with shoulder dystocia include transient brachial plexus palsy, clavicular fracture, and humeral fracture. Fracture of the fetal radius has not been previously reported.


METHODS
We encountered a shoulder dystocia with the fetal head in the right occiput anterior position that necessitated the McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, the Wood and Rubin maneuvers, and extraction of the posterior fetal arm to effect delivery. The 4610-g infant experienced a spiral fracture of the right (anterior) radius and a fracture of the left (posterior) midhumeral shaft.


CONCLUSIONS
Neonatal radial fracture can result from shoulder dystocia or the maneuvers employed for the alleviation of the shoulder dystocia.
Thompson
Kay Ann
KA
Division of Maternal/Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20889, USA.
Satin
Andrew J
AJ
Gherman
Robert B
RB
D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004420:Dystocia / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012782:Shoulder