Boys born by forceps and vacuum extraction examined at 18 years of age.

An 18-year follow-up study was made of 62 males delivered by forceps and 38 by vacuum extraction in 1962-63. The obstetrical data are compared with the medical and psychological military draft board examinations. The mortality and morbidity rates were not significantly different from those of the total cohort of Norwegian conscripts, either in the forceps or in the vacuum group. Rotation of the fetal head with Kielland's forceps in midcavity extractions did not adversely affect the late results. A significantly elevated mean intelligence score was found in the forceps group, while the vacuum group did not differ from the national average.