[Fractures in full-term neonates].

It has recently been suggested in the media that fractures in full-term neonates might be caused by non-accidental injury. It is well known that a traumatic birth can result in fractures in the neonate. To evaluate the incidence of unexplained fractures in full-term neonates, we analysed data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry, containing admission data on neonates from all 10 Neonatal Intensive Care Units and 60% of the level II hospitals. In 1997-2004, 158,035 full-term neonates were admitted. In 1174 of these (0.74%), fractures were demonstrated. In 227 of these 1174 neonates (19%), no cause for the fracture could be found: obvious trauma during birth or congenital bone disease was excluded. In 12 of the 227 full-term infants with an uneventful birth a fracture of the humerus was found, and in 3 a fracture of the femur. In all other cases there was a fracture of the clavicle. The authors conclude that fractures can occur in full-term neonates even after an uneventful vaginal birth or elective caesarean section. A neonate with pain may have a fracture, also after a normal birth.