Compressive neuropathies complicating normal childbirth: case report and literat

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Birth. 2007 Jun;34(2):173-5.

Compressive neuropathies complicating normal childbirth: case report

and literature review.

Sahai-Srivastava S, Amezcua L.

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Background: Peroneal neuropathy has been well described in the

literature, but few cases have been reported of bilateral peroneal

neuropathy as a complication of normal childbirth. Most reported

cases are due to prolonged squatting during childbirth, which is

prevalent in certain countries.

Case report: A 30-year-old woman developed bilateral footdrop

shortly after normal vaginal delivery under epidural analgesics.

Neurological examination and electrodiagnostic studies confirmed

bilateral common peroneal mononeuropathy most likely secondary to

prolonged and excessive pressure around the knees by attendants who

were assisting at the delivery. The woman showed significant

improvement of her symptoms after physical therapy and assisted

devices.

Conclusions: Excessive and prolonged pressure knee holding during

normal childbirth may result in compressive peripheral neuropathy.

Patient education and awareness among the labor and delivery team

will prevent this avoidable complication.