A Rare Neonatal Birth Injury Associated with Vaginal Delivery: Humeral Diaphyseal Fracture

Öz

Birth-related fractures are rare; however, they represent significant obstetric complications in neonates. While clavicular fractures are the most frequently reported, long bone fractures, particularly humeral diaphyseal fractures, are exceedingly uncommon. In this case report, a neonate diagnosed with a humeral diaphyseal fracture associated with vaginal delivery is presented.

The pregnancy of a 24-year-old primigravida mother with no history of miscarriage progressed without complications, and the infant was delivered vaginally without instrumental intervention, shoulder dystocia, or documented obstetric difficulty. No pathological findings were identified during the initial postnatal clinical assessment, and the neonate was discharged. Approximately 30 hours after birth, the family presented to the emergency department due to decreased spontaneous movement of the right upper extremity. There was no history of postnatal trauma or external mechanical intervention. Physical examination revealed marked limitation of movement in the right arm, and radiographic imaging confirmed a right humeral diaphyseal fracture. The absence of postnatal contributing factors, together with the early onset of clinical findings and the anatomical localization of the fracture, supported birth-related trauma as the underlying cause. The case was conservatively managed with immobilization, and functional recovery was achieved during follow-up.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of humeral fractures associated with vaginal delivery result in favorable functional recovery.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Newborn
• Birth trauma
• Humeral fracture
• Vaginal delivery

Kaynakça

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