Bone fractures can happen to a baby during the birthing process. Here are some important things you need to know if your baby fractured a bone during labor and delivery.
What Causes Bone Fractures in Babies?
Bone fractures can be caused during labor and delivery. There are several circumstances that can cause a baby’s bones to break. Sometimes, a baby is pulled too forcefully from the birth canal, especially if the baby’s size makes it difficult to pass through the mother’s cervix. When a baby is stuck, certain obstetrical tools like forceps, may be used to pull the baby out. Negligent use of obstetrical tools can cause skull fractures, as well as other injuries. Skull fractures can also occur when there is significant pressure on the skull during the actual delivery. There are also times when fractures are caused because the baby was dropped after delivery.
What are the Symptoms of a Bone Fracture in an Infant?
Here are some of the basic signs that your baby may have a fractured bone:
- Pain, bruising, redness, or swelling around the area of broken bone;
- Constant crying, especially when the affected area is touched or moved;
- The baby is unable to move or has limited movement in the broken limb; and
- A deformity in the affected area (e.g. a drooped shoulder if there’s a clavicle fracture)
A bone fracture is evidence of a forceful impact. It is not uncommon for a fractured bone to be associated with other injuries. As a result, it is important to assess the child for any other evidence of injury. For example, if the fracture is to the skull, there may be damage to the brain as well. Also, fractures to the arm or shoulder could indicate an injury to the nerves of the arm including conditions like Brachial Plexus injury or Erbs’ Palsy.
How Are Infant Bone Fractures Treated?
There are different treatment options for infants with bone fractures. Fractures are usually first treated with ice and stabilization. After that, a doctor may recommend a splint or cast. If the fracture is displaced, there may be a need to perform an operation to help the bone heal. The good news is that, in most cases, an infant with a bone fracture will heal without long-lasting effects. There are times however, when an infant’s bone fractures extends into the bone’s growth plate, which can result in serious issues with the bone’s continued growth.
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