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.

CASE

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.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal radial fracture can result from shoulder dystocia or the maneuvers employed for the alleviation of the shoulder dystocia.