Summary
Shoulder Dystocia (SD) is the nightmare of obstetricians.
Despite its low incidence, SD still represents
a huge risk of morbidity for both the mother and fetus.
Even though several studies showed the existence
of both major and minor risk factors that may
complicate a delivery, SD remains an unpreventable
and unpredictable obstetric emergency. When it occurs,
SD is difficult to manage due to the fact that
there are not univocal algorithms for its management.
Nevertheless, even if it is appropriately managed,
SD is one of the most litigated cause in obstetrics,
because it is frequently associated with permanent
birth-related injuries and mother complications.
All the physicians should be prepared to manage
this obstetric emergency by attending periodic
training, even if SD is difficult to teach for its rare
occurrence and because in clinical practice it is often
handled by experienced obstetricians.
The purpose of this study is to review the literature
concerning the everlasting problems of SD: identification
of risk factors for the early detection of delivery
at high risk of SD and a systematic management
of this terrifying obstetric emergency in order to
avoid the subsequent health, medico-legal and economic
complications.