When Uncomplicated Childbirth Causes Permanent Nerve Damage

Home , Femoral nerve

5/18/2021

When Uncomplicated Childbirth Causes Permanent Nerve Damage:

A Case Study with Patient and Provider Implications

Jennifer Webb BSN, RN, CCRN Cheryl Parker DNP, CRNA, RNC-OB

LENI: Lower Extremity Nerve Injury in Childbirth

Learning Objectives

1. Describe lower extremity nerve injury (LENI) during childbirth: • etiology, presentation, and duration.

2. Identify strategies to prevent LENI during 2nd stage labor.

3. Recognize signs and symptoms of LENI.

4. Identify post-partum interventions, treatment options and patient resources.

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Case Study

❖ 31-yr old patient ❖ Spontaneous labor- 2200 ❖ Epidural 0200 ❖ Pushing (2nd stage) begins 0520 x 3.5-4 hours in lithotomy position ❖ Uncomplicated vaginal birth of 7lb1oz baby girl ❖ 8H post delivery, pt ℅ complete paralysis left leg. ❖ 24H post delivery, complete numbness and paralysis left leg, and paresthesia right leg

Sequence of Events ❖ 28-Hrs: Anesthesia concludes “stunned femoral nerve” from positioning

❖ 48-Hrs: Patient unable to bear weight on left leg, only ambulate w/ a walker.

❖ 52-Hrs: DC with no diagnosis, no physician consults, no PT evaluation.

❖ Discharge plan: No resources or treatment plan

❖ At home, patient cannot safely care for newborn

My view

from home

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What was next for me?

“Unfortunately lots of Googling…plus tears”  Facebook Support Group: “Moms With Femoral/Peroneal/Sciatic Nerve Damage from Labor/Delivery”

❖ Family Support

❖ Started physical therapy within 2 weeks after birth, solely from resources found in FB group

Moms With Femoral/Peroneal/Sciatic Nerve Damage from Labor/Delivery. (12/30/2010). Facebook. Retrieved 2/1/2020, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/171723556197972/

Incidence of LENI ❖ Sadly, I’m not alone ❖ Approximately 0.3%-2.3% ❖ Incidence of LENI is roughly the (reported) of births same as ➢ Shoulder dystocia (0.2-3.%) ➢ Postpartum venous thrombosis (0.05-0.2%) ➢ Postpartum hemorrhage (3%)

Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nursing (in press). Lower extremity nerve injury in childbirth: AWHONN practice brief number 11. Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing.

Affected Moms Around the World

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Types of Childbirth-Related LENI

1. Femoral nerve injury: • Loss of motor strength/function in lower extremity (primarily quad and knee).

2. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury: • “Meralgia paresthetica” • Loss of sensation mid-thigh to mid-calf. • No motor component but may have pain.

3. Peroneal (fibular) nerve injury: • Foot drop.

4. Sciatic nerve injury:

• Burning/tingling down leg Scott K.M. (2015) Neural Injury During Pregnancy and Childbirth. In: • Weakness, numbness or difficulty Fitzgerald C., Segal N. (eds) Musculoskeletal Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum. Springer, Cham. moving leg or foot https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319- 14319-4_6

Childbirth Related Nerve Injuries

 Involvement: Vast majority impact femoral nerve & peroneal nerves.  Injuries - sensory, motor or mixed sensory-motor deficits.  Highest risk 1) nulliparous; 2) prolonged second stage.  Frequently occurring with use of regional labor analgesia.  All are immediately evident following “recovery” from anesthesia.  All increase the incidence of falls, during hospital stay, in-home or assisted living arrangements, and postpartum depression.  Most resolve: yielding 75% or greater return in function after intensive treatment (6 months to 1 year).  Many women experience permanent injuries ranging from foot drop, to mild weakness in affected extremity(s), to complete immobility and wheelchair confinement.

Hashim, S. S., & Addekanmi, O. (2007). Bilateral foot drop following a normal vaginal delivery in a birthing pool. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 27(6), 623–624. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443610701538497 Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nursing (in press). Lower extremity nerve injury in childbirth: AWHONN practice brief number 11. Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing.

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Etiology: [Compression + Stretch] x Time = Injury

 Stretch, compression or vascular (ischemia) injury of the femoral nerve.  Hyper-flexed thighs compress the femoral nerve under the inguinal ligament.  Rarely occurs during cesarean birth (may occur with stretching or pressure with retractors/vacuum).

 Peroneal (fibular) ischemic nerve injury  Hand placement in second stage.

Neuro/Skeletal-Anatomy of the Pelvis

Used with permission of Mayo Clinic Health

Femoral Nerve Artery Vein

Compression of vascular structures can lead to nerve and tissue ischemia, as well as have an impact on blood pressure.

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Hyper-flexed positions - Hip flexion greater than 90 degrees-

Prolonged positioning increases risk of nerve injury

used with permission of Mayo Clinic Health

Hyper-flexed positions - Hip flexion greater than 90 degrees-

Prolonged positioning increases risk of nerve injury

Ideal Positions: Hip flexions 90⁰, or feet resting on bed

used with permission from Saltanat ebli and Jennifer Webb

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Positions: Excessive Abduction of Thighs “Frog Leg”

• Should not be maintained for prolonged periods of time • Legs should be supported in a “recovery” position between pushes • {Midline / < 900 flexion at hips and knees}

Common Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve A division of the Sciatic Nerve

Common Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve A division of the Sciatic Nerve ❖ Superficial peroneal *Deep peroneal

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Common Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve A division of the Sciatic Nerve

❖ Deep peroneal  Motor function  Foot dorsiflexion  Toe extension

❖ Superficial peroneal  Motor function  Foot eversion

Common Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve A division of the Sciatic Nerve

❖ Deep peroneal  Motor function  Foot dorsiflexion  Toe extension

❖ Superficial peroneal  Motor function  Foot eversion

Image purchased from KenHub.com

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Common Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve Injuries Mechanisms of injury: ❖ Prolonged pushing with patient’s hands applying pressure over or near the fibular head (knee cap). ❖ Prolonged “digging” or deep compression pressure along posterior thigh. ❖ Squatting or kneeling for prolonged periods

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATION:

MOVE POSITIONS AT LEAST EVERY 10-15 MINUTES

Common Peroneal (Fibular) Injury

Avoid lateral knee hand placement during Pushing

used with permission of Whitney Eldred and Mayo Clinic Health

Common Peroneal (Fibular) Injury Avoid Positioning Hands on the posterior thigh during Pushing

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Ideal Hand Positioning while Pushing

used with permission of Texas Health Resources

Potential for nerve injury in the OR

https://coloradopaincare.com/home-remedies-for-sciatica/ http://sinaiem.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-07-at-3.02.02-PM.png

Bing free image search

Nursing Implications: Second Stage Management ❖ Avoid prolonged active pushing. Allow patients to labor down. ❖ Don’t push in stirrups. Reserve stirrups only for delivery. ❖ Avoid prolonged flexion or hyperflexion of hips during pushing. ❖ Change leg/hand positions frequently during pushing, EVERY 10-15 MIN. ❖ Place legs back down in bed after pushing attempts. ❖ Place patients legs in stirrups ❖ Hip flexion should not exceed 90 degrees ❖ Avoid prolonged “grasping” of hands over the lateral aspect of the knees. ❖ Avoid prolonged “digging”/deep compression by fingertips on the posterior aspect of the thighs.

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Challenges Faced in Research

 Under recognized…  patients and staff unaware -or- unable recognize symptoms

 Under reported…  patients symptoms are minimized -or- resolve within short duration

 Under treated…  providers lack understanding and/or awareness of the pathophysiology of injury, treatment options, and available resources.

Hale, S., Hill, C., Hermann, M., Kinzig, A., Lawrence, C., McCaughlin, N., & Parker, C. 2020. Analgesia and Anesthesia in the intrapartum period: AWHONN Evidence- based clinical practice guideline. Nursing for Women’s Health, 24(1), S4 – S60. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2019.12.002

Letter written in response to the Practice Guideline published in early 2020

Change in Practice Brief

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Review of Literature Published November 2020

LENI: Nursing Implications

DO NOT force the patient to stand up or tell them “you will start to feel your leg/foot when you stand up”.

LENI: Nursing Implications ❖ Be an advocate- be alert to patient complaints of lingering numbness or weakness in lower extremities ❖ don’t belittle or minimize feelings or fears ❖ don’t assume sleepy nerve or slow epidural ❖ sensitive to postpartum hormones, pain, sleep deprivation, newborn, possible other complications  take action and advocate for answers early  Anesthesia Assessment  Rule out complications or reactions from epidural  Notify anesthesia early. Be persistent!  Neurology Consult BE AN  MRI/CT- to rule out any other causes or ADVOCATE complications  Electromyography (EMG) testing  Nerve Conduction Test  Continued Follow-up

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LENI: Nursing Implications Documentation  Fall risk  arm band, falling star, etc.  patient/family education

 Neuro assessments  what movement is possible in affected area  what part of limb is numb/tingly/painful/swollen/etc.

 General mobility assessments  up with assistance  unable to ambulate  assistive device in use:  walker, wheelchair, etc.

LENI: Nursing Implications ❖ Physical Therapy Evaluation ❖ Assistive Equipment (walker, wheelchair) ❖ shower chair ❖ walker ❖ wheelchair ❖ AFO brace for foot drop

❖ Ability to safely adapt to injury ❖ safety of baby in mind ❖ transfers of bed, shower, chairs, car, etc.

 Physical Therapy Plan after Discharge  setting up physical therapy intensive treatment  outpatient vs in-home

LENI: Nursing Implications  OT Evaluation for Home safety  family support and availability  carry newborn  driving, meals, Dr. appts, ADL’s, etc.  Evaluate home environment  Increased fall risks (stairs, rugs, steps, etc.)  Safety and fall risk prevention strategies at home.  Equipment needs long term  Toilet riser or bars  Shower rail

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Facebook Group  1700 women, with new women added weekly

 Includes women from 38 different countries

 Ranges from women that have healed within a few weeks to those that have never fully healed

Moms With Femoral/Peroneal/Sciatic Nerve Damage from Labor/Delivery. (12/30/2010). Facebook. Retrieved 9/20/2020, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/171723556197972/

Let’s make the wheelchair ride with their newborn a courtesy … not a necessity.

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Selected References

. Pierce, C., O’brien, C., & O’Herlihy, C. (2010). Postpartum femoral neuropathy following spontaneous vaginal delivery. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 30(2), 203-204. doi: 10.3109/01443610903477531 . Radawski, M. M., Strakowski, J. A., & Johnson, E. W. (2011). Acute common peroneal neuropathy due to hand positioning in normal labor and delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 118, 421-423. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31821dac98 . Wilson, M., Ramage, L, Yoong, W. & Swinhoe, J. (2011). Femoral neuropathy after vaginal surgery: A complication of the lithotomy position. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 31(1), 90-91. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2010.528082 . Wong, C. A. (2004). Neurologic deficits and labor analgesia. Regional anesthesia and pain medicine, 29(4), 341-351. doi:10.1016/j.rapm.2004.04.001 . Wong, C. A.(2010). Nerve injuries after neuraxial anaesthesia and their medicolegal implications. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, (24), 367-381. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.11.008. . Wong, C. A, Scavone, B. M., Dugan, S., Smith, J. C., Prather, H., Ganchiff, J. N., & McCarthy, R. J. (2003). Incidence of postpartum lumbosacral spine and lower extremity nerve injuries. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 101(2), 279- 288. doi:10.1016/S0029-7844(02)02727-8