Engineering Analysis of Shoulder Dystocia in the Human Birth Process by the Finite Element Method

Abstract

This paper presents an engineering analysis of shoulder dystocia (SD) in the human birth process which usually results in damaging the brachial plexus nerves and the humerus and/or clavicle bones of the baby. The goal is to study these injuries from the mechanical engineering point of view. Two separate finite element models of the neonatal neck and the clavicle bone have been simulated using eight-node three-dimensional elements and beam elements respectively. Simulated models have been analysed under suitable boundary conditions using the ‘SAP80’ finite element package. Finally, results obtained have been verified by comparing them with published clinical and experimental observations.