Traumas
Head Traumas:
- Caput succedaneum: swelling, bruising, oedema of presenting portion. Resolves spontaneously
- Cephalohematoma: uncommon haemorrhage beneath the periosteum. Presents with an egg-sized lump. No treatment is required. May develop anaemia and hyperbilirubinemia
- Depressed skull fracture: rare, often from forceps pressure. Presents as depression in the skull. X-rays for diagnosis. Requires neurosurgical evaluation
Nerve Injuries:
- Facial nerve trauma: causes facial asymmetry, especially during crying. Usually resolves by 2-3 months
- Brachial plexus injury: from shoulder dystocia, breech extraction, or neck hyperextension o Erb’s palsy: upper plexus (C5-C6) affecting shoulder and elbow muscles o Klumpke’s palsy: Lower plexus injury (C7-C8, T1): affects forearm muscles Fractures:
- Clavicular fracture: most common birth fracture
- Usually due to shoulder dystocia
- Typically, greenstick fractures
- Heal rapidly with callus formation within 1 week
- Complete remodelling within 1 month
- Can be associated with brachial plexus injuries