Sciatic nerve palsy in the new born.

Twelve new born children with sciatic nerve paralysis are reported in this paper. Complete paralysis was present in six and partial paralysis in six neonates. In all cases of breech delivery, a definite history of prolonged labour and forceful extraction by pulling the leg of the fetus was obtained. explained. The relevant literature has been reviewed. Follow up radiological examination in two children showed delayed ossification of the femoral head on the affected side. Recovery was incomplete in most of the cases with total sciatic nerve palsy.