Obstetrics General Obstertrics

Dystocia Wikipedia

DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Shoulder dystocia |
ICD10 = O66.0 |
ICD9 = 660.4 |

Dystocia (antonym eutocia) is an abnormal or difficult childbirth. Pregnancy|Pregnancies which result in some form of dystocia often lead to assisted deliveries including forceps, ventouse or, commonly, caesarian section.

Shoulder dystocia is a specific case of this complication whereby the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below, or requires significant manipulation to pass below, the pubic symphysis. It is diagnosed when the shoulders fail to deliver shortly after the fetal head.

Although the definition is imprecise, it occurs in approximately 1% of vaginal births. There are well-recognised risk factors, but it is often difficult to predict with accuracy (Breeze and Lees, 2004). Despite appropriate obstetric management, fetal injury (such as brachial plexus injury) or even fetal death can be a complication of this obstetric emergency.

Last Modified:   2005-12-23