Common intrapartum denominators of shoulder dystocia related birth injuries.

The intrapartum background of fetal injuries associated with shoulder dystocia was studied retrospectively on the basis of 107 relevant medical records. Intrapartum use of oxytocin and protraction-arrest disorders, the latter particularly during the second stage of labor, were frequent findings. Delivery was effected by forceps or vacuum extraction in almost one-half of the cases. Shoulder dystocia related permanent fetal impairments were closely connected to macrosomia. The fetal weight was > or = 4,000 grams in about 75% and > or = 4,500 grams in approximately 40% of the instances. Permanent hypoxic or traumatic cerebral damage was documented in almost one-third of the cases. The data indicate that in connection with coincidental neonatal afflictions, the birth weights of the fetuses are higher and instrumental extractions are more frequent than in relation to all clinically diagnosed cases of shoulder dystocia.