Shoulder dystocia refers to an abnormal vaginal delivery with the arrest related to the shoulder of the fetus. Acker et al identified several risk factors for shoulder dystocia in neonates. A fetus with a significant risk may benefit from Cesarean section.
Complications of shoulder dystocia:
(1) fracture of the upper extremity
(2) brachial plexus injury
(3) respiratory difficulty, including asphyxia
(4) rarely death
Risk factors identified:
(1) presence of diabetes mellitus
(2) high fetal weight
(3) abnormal labor pattern
Patient Group |
Fetal Weight |
Labor Pattern |
Risk of Dystocia |
diabetic |
< 4,000 gram |
|
3.7% |
|
>= 4,000 grams |
|
30.6% |
nondiabetic |
< 4,000 grams |
|
1.1% |
|
4,000 – 4,499 grams |
|
10.0% |
|
>= 4,500 grams |
normal |
17.3% |
|
>= 4,500 grams |
precipitate |
26.1% |
|
>= 4,5000 grams |
prolonged latent phase |
35.3% |
|
>= 4,500 grams |
protraction disorder |
22.6% |
|
>= 4,500 grams |
arrest disorder |
55.0% |
after Figure 1, page 767
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,