Introduction:
The most common fractures during vaginal delivery occur in the clavicle, humerus, and femur. Cesarean section reduces the chances of a child having a birth injury. However, in some difficult extractions, long bone fractures may occur. Cesarean section further reduces the incidence of birth injuries, especially in a breech delivery. Maneuvers employed during cesarean section, energetic traction, improper uterine incisions, and contracted uterus may cause these injuries. In the medical literature, there are few articles highlighting the occurrence of long bone fractures during cesarean section. There has been no case reported with a combined bilateral humerus and femur fracture in the medical literature.
Case report:
A 2-day-old neonate born after cesarean section for breech presentation in a twin pregnancy presented with restricted movements of both his arms and right leg. Infantogram revealed bilateral humerus and right femur fracture. Biochemical tests were normal, and there were no other findings on clinical examination. There was no evidence of child abuse or any positive family history. Child was splinted for 3 weeks. X-rays suggested good callus at the fracture site of the right femur and bilateral humerus fracture were united.
Conclusion:
To conclude, we would like to emphasize that long bone fractures can happen with cesarean section also. To prevent such untoward complications, during delivery of the baby the surgeon should be very careful, avoid energetic traction and should plan his incisions. Appropriate relaxation of the uterus must be achieved. Clavicles and other long bones should be palpated after a difficult delivery. However, it is important to note that long bone fractures in children heal rapidly without the need for any major intervention.