Patient's question:
Patient discovered on the third day of newborn life with right arm weakness, unable to lift it up, and high jaundice. Premature by 20 days.Previous treatment and outcomes:
Laboratory and examination results:
What kind of assistance is needed:
What may occur in the future, and can it cause other interference to the child?
Doctor's answer:
The brachial plexus is fixed to the ribs by the clavicular fascia when it passes between the clavicle and the second rib, then passes under the coracoid process of the humerus. When external force increases the distance between the coracoid process and the second rib, the brachial plexus is severely stretched and injured. The main causes of injury during labor include shoulder dystocia in head-first delivery due to incorrect fetal position assessment; and improper manipulation or difficulty in delivering the posterior head during breech delivery, leading to forceful traction on the fetal shoulder and neck. The clinical presentation varies depending on the location of the injury. The most common type is anesthesia-related injury, with typical symptoms including: the affected limb hanging limp at the side of the body, inability to perform abduction, external rotation, and flexion of the elbow.