Acute common peroneal neuropathy due to hand positioning in normal labor and delivery.
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Obstetrics and gynecology
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Foot drop has been described as an infrequent complication from common peroneal nerve injury related to external compression and forceful knee flexion while pushing during vaginal delivery. Past recommendations include placing the hands at the posterior thighs rather than the legs to avoid this complication.
CASE: A 32-year-old woman developed unilateral foot drop after vaginal delivery. Electromyography was diagnostic for an acute compression neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve above the knee.
CONCLUSION: The patient's likely mechanism of injury occurred during delivery from external compression by the patient's dominant hand to the distal posterior thigh while under epidural anesthesia. Labor and delivery teams should be aware that nerve injury is also possible at the distal thigh with excessive external pressure.
First Page
421
Last Page
423
DOI
10.1097/AOG.0b013e31821dac98
Publication Date
8-1-2011
Recommended Citation
Radawski MM, Strakowski JA, Johnson EW. Acute common peroneal neuropathy due to hand positioning in normal labor and delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Aug;118(2 Pt 2):421-423. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31821dac98. PMID: 21768840.