Humeral Diaphysis Fracture in a Neonate After Vaginal Delivery

Long bone fractures are rarely seen in newborns. Though the femoral bone is more fragile, occasionally the humeral bone may fracture. Presently described is a rare case of a humeral fracture occurring at birth. A female infant born by vaginal delivery to a 35-year-old multipara woman at the 40th gestational week was hypotonic and in respiratory distress. Resuscitation was performed for 15 minutes. Bilateral Moro reflexes could not be elicited. Radiological evaluation revealed a left humeral diaphysis fracture. Humeral fractures are generally associated with the increase in cesarean deliveries; however, a newborn may also experience trauma during difficult labor and vaginal delivery. Pregnant women should be informed about the potential occurrence of long bone fractures, particularly as a result of necessary obstetric maneuvers performed during a breech delivery. In addition, it should be emphasized that cesarean delivery does not completely eliminate the risk of trauma to the infant.