Fractures during the birthing process can be distressing for parents who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child. Some fractures are minor and heal on their own, while others can result in long-term complications.
When a newborn’s fracture is caused by excessive force, improper technique, or a failure to act during a difficult delivery, it may constitute a birth injury claim, and parents deserve to know whether medical negligence played a role.
Common Neonatal Fractures
Some of the most common neonatal fractures include the following:
Clavicle Fractures
Newborns commonly suffer clavicle fractures after a difficult delivery. The clavicle, also called the collar bone, connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. Excessive pressure on the shoulders during delivery can break the clavicle, especially if the baby is large or in a difficult delivery position.
These fractures occur when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. Healthcare providers may apply traction or other maneuvers to free the shoulder, but this can result in shoulder dystocia for the infant.
Symptoms of a clavicle fracture may include:
- Limited movement of one arm,
- Irritability when the arm is touched,
- Visible bump over the break.
Most clavicle fractures in newborns heal well with minimal intervention. Doctors typically immobilize the arm in a soft sling or simple wrap to reduce movement.
Skull Fractures
Skull fractures are also possible in newborns. The baby’s skull is composed of several bones that allow for growth and slight overlap during birth. This flexibility helps the baby safely navigate the birth canal. However, it can also make the skull more prone to fractures when excessive force is applied during delivery. Fractures are most likely to occur when forceps or vacuum extractors are used improperly.
Signs of a skull fracture may include swelling or bruising of the scalp, an abnormal head shape, irritability, seizures, or lethargy. Sadly, skull fractures may be accompanied by underlying brain injury. Therefore, imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans are often necessary to assess the extent of the damage.
Immediate diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications such as bleeding, infection, or long-term cognitive deficits.
Causes of Fractures During Childbirth
Bone fractures in infants can arise from several factors during labor and delivery. Some causes are related to preexisting medical conditions from mother or baby. Others stem from preventable negligence/improper care.
The most common causes include:
- Shoulder dystocia. This describes a delivery complication where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck after the head has emerged. If the delivering clinician uses too much force to free the shoulder, it can fracture the clavicle.
- Instrument-assisted delivery. Tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can help guide a baby through the final stages of delivery. However, they require precision from the physician or another medical provider. Improper or prolonged use increases the risk of bone injury to the baby.
- Rapid or prolonged labor. If labor progresses too quickly or too slowly, the risk of trauma to the baby increases.
- Fetal macrosomia. When a baby is significantly larger than average, it heightens the likelihood of difficult delivery and related fractures.
- Underlying conditions. Genetics and the health of the mother or baby can also increase the likelihood of fractures. For example, osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes brittle bones, may predispose an infant to bone breaks.
In many cases, a fracture may have more than one cause. An investigation may be required to pinpoint the precise cause of a broken bone.
Potential Long-Term Consequences of Fractures
Most infant fractures heal with appropriate medical care. Many fractures resolve without long-term issues. For instance, clavicle fractures typically recover completely within a few weeks to months with proper immobilization and monitoring.
However, some fractures carry a risk of lasting harm. Skull fractures that injure the brain can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairments, or motor deficits. Likewise, fractures that involve growth plates or joint surfaces may affect bone growth.
In cases where fractures reflect improper care during delivery, families may face emotional and financial burdens beyond immediate medical costs (e.g., long-term therapy, specialized pediatric follow-up, or surgical interventions).
A medical malpractice lawyer can help you seek compensation for the short- and long-term consequences of a delivery-related fracture.
To get started with a free consultation, contact our firm today.