Nerve injuries in neonates.

A clinical study of 40 cases of nerve injuries in neonates with one-year follow-up is presented. The total incidence of such injuries was 1.50%. Thirty-three cases sustained nerve injury due to obstetrical trauma and in 7 cases it was due to postnatal trauma like intragluteal injection and tight splintage. Almost in all cases there was history of prolonged or obstructed labour. Upper limb nerve injuries were commonest followed by facial palsy. Twenty-three cases (76%) showed complete recovery while 17% had partial and 7% no recovery at all. Hence nerve injuries are not uncommon in neonates. If managed properly the recovery is good. Intragluteal injection in the neonatal period should not be recommended.