Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

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Our daughter just went through a 36-hour labor and delivery of a beautiful baby girl. The baby has some problems with her wrist and her hand. It appears that they are floppy (maybe paralyzed? We're not sure). Is this something that happens during labor and delivery? Or was she just born with it?

Fetal inactivity in utero (in the womb) can lead to pressure on the nerve. The result can be a nerve palsy. But prolonged labor and the use of forceps during delivery can also contribute to nerve damage and paralysis. It's even possible for this condition to occur after birth. The use of a blood pressure cuff to monitor vital signs can also cause nerve palsy. Doctors can't always be sure whether the injury occurred before, during, or after birth. Congenital (present in utero) problems with nerve palsy can occur. These are usually associated with other problems or conditions. The physician is careful to look for infection, shoulder or elbow dislocation, and bone fracture. Sometimes there are constricting bands of fibrous tissue around nerves that can cause nerve palsy. It may take some time to sort out all the possible causes. A "wait-and-see" approach works well at first. Given time, the clinical picture may become clearer. Many times the problem goes away on its own.

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