Femoral nerve palsy and hip instability in infants with breech birth presentation: a review of the literature and report of 2 cases.
BACKGROUND
Femoral nerve palsy has been described as a result of hip hyperflexion during orthotic treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip, but femoral nerve palsy in newborns who have not had brace treatment has not been reported.


METHODS
Two cases of femoral nerve palsy after breech lie in utero are reviewed. Neither of these infants had undergone treatment of any sort for the hip.


RESULTS
In both children, Ortolani-positive hip dislocation was encountered. Both were treated with abduction orthoses with lesser hip flexion than the Pavlik-type brace. Nerve recovery was complete, and the hip dysplasia resolved satisfactorily.


CONCLUSIONS
Femoral nerve palsy may be seen after breech lie in utero and may be associated with hip instability. Treatment considerations for the hip must take into account the nerve compromise.


METHODS
Level IV, case series.
Szalay
Elizabeth A
EA
Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Carrie Tingley Hospital, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA. eszalay@salud.unm.edu
D001946:Breech Presentation; D005260:Female; D020428:Femoral Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006618:Hip Dislocation, Congenital / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy