Shoulder dystocia. Rotational maneuvers revisited

Abstract

Shoulder dystocia is an acute obstetric emergency that necessitates prompt, skillful intervention in order to prevent serious fetal trauma or death. Of the maneuvers described to deal with this difficult problem, rotational maneuvers are among the most ingenious. In spite of the effectiveness of these techniques, various technical deviations have led to the incorrect description and implementation of these maneuvers. This review of the rotational maneuvers used to counter shoulder dystocia gives particular attention to the techniques described originally.