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Birth Injuries 231

Key Summary Points
1. The majority of birth injuries are minor. 7. The liver is the most common organ involved. A high index of
suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis of these injuries.
2. Breech delivery is a major risk factor for birth injuries.
3. Fractures from birth injury heal spontaneously; nonunion is 8. The presence of a tumour should be ruled out, especially when
the adrenal gland is involved.
almost nonexistent. The clavicle is the most common bone
fractured. 9. In girls, severe perineal tears have been described; these
require prompt surgical intervention to avoid a fatal outcome.
4. Brachial plexus injuries are the most common form of
neurological injury. The majority (75%) will recover on 10. Antenatal ultrasonography should be employed to identify risk
conservative management. factors for birth trauma and modify modes of delivery.
5. Spinal injuries are rare, but severe, with a fatal outcome or 11. In Africa, health education, training of traditional birth
survival with a permanent disability. attendants, and reduction of delivery fees should encourage
more women to have supervised antenatal care and delivery,
6. Solid abdominal visceral injuries, although rare, have the most and hence reduce the risk of birth injuries.
serious complications of birth trauma.

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