Bone Fractures during Childbirth

Broken or fractured bones are some of the most common injuries sustained by infants during difficult births. The state of a child’s gestational development can factor into the likelihood of a fracture, with larger infants being more prone to these types of accidents due to positioning problems within the womb.

Some of the more obvious symptoms of infantile bone fracture include persistent, intense crying, inability to move the injured area or limb, and noticeable deformities. However, as with all complications involving newborns, these sorts of injuries can be a bit harder to identify. More subtle indicators of a fracture might be bruising, stiffness, and snapping sounds.

Common Types of Infant Fractures

Clavicle fractures, or those affecting the collarbone, are extremely frequent during delivery. Fortunately, in general, they are easily treatable, as well. If properly diagnosed and set, clavicle fractures usually heal within 10 days of birth.

A fracture in the femur, or thigh bone, is a less likely but still serious complication. Typically, the infant with a broken femur will be outfitted with a Pavlik harness, a device that holds the hips in place so that healing can occur.

Why Bone Fractures Occur

Newborns are extremely fragile, and some degree of risk must be accepted during any birth. However, many infantile bone fractures are the result of mishandling or an improper course of action on the part of the delivering medical staff. One example might be failing to recognize the need for a Caesarian section during the delivery of larger infants.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been affected by a child’s birth-related fracture and you believe the health care provider might have been in some way at fault, you deserve to know you options. Call the experienced Philadelphia childbirth bone fracture lawyers of Lowenthal and Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.