Neonatology - Birth Injuries Flashcards
What is caput succedaneum?
Oedema on the scalp
Outside of the periosteum, so it can cross suture lines
What causes caput succedaneum?
Pressure to scalp during traumatic, prolonged or instrumental delivery
How is caput succedaneum managed?
Does not require treatment
Resolves within a few days
What is a cephalohaematoma?
Collection of blood between skull and periosteum
How can a cephalohaematoma be described?
Traumatic subperiosteal haematoma
How can you differentiate between a cephalohaematoma and caput succedaneum?
Blood is below the periosteum, so the lump does not cross suture lines
Blood can also cause discolouration of the skin in the area
How is a cephaloheamatoma managed
Resolves without treatment within a few months
Risk of anaemia and jaundice from blood break down, releasing bilirubin
Baby needs to be monitored for anaemia and jaundice
What is facial nerve injury typically associated with?
Forceps delivery
Can result in facial palsy
Function normally returns spontaneously within a few months, otherwise may need neurosurgery input
What causes Erbs palsy?
C5/C6 injury in brachial plexus
- Shoulder dystocia
- Traumatic delivery
- Instrumental delivery
- Large birth weight
What does damage to C5/6 lead to in Erbs palsy?
Waiters tip
Weakened:
- Shoulder abduction
- External rotation
- Arm flexion
- Finger extension
Therefore you get
- Internally rotated shoulder
- Extended elbow
- Flexed wrist
- Lack of arm movement
How long does Erbs palsy take to resolve?
Within a few months spontaneously
May need neurosurgical input if no resolution
What are fracture clavicles after birth associated with?
Shoulder dystocia
Traumatic or instrumental delivery
Large birth weight
What are the signs of a fractured clavicle?
- Noticeable lack of movement or asymmetry of movement in arm
- Shoulder assymetry, lower than the other
- Pain and distress on arm movement
How is a fractured clavicle confirmed?
USS
X-ray
How is a fractured clavicle managed?
Conservative
Can immobilise arm
Usually heals well
There can damage to brachial plexus and possible nerve palsy
