SCIATIC NERVE INJURY IN INFANTS

Abstract

Serious sciatic nerve injury can result from injections of commonly used antibiotics and other agents into the buttock, especially in young infants. Such injection injury occurs in the hands of those experienced in the care of infants and children. Twelve cases are reported; in most of these a paralytic drop foot resulting from nerve injury has been misdiagnosed as a congenital lesion or the result of unrecognized poliomyelitis. Demonstration of sensory loss and the absence of sweating over the distribution of sciatic nerve branches is the most valuable clue to the diagnosis. Surgical exploration of the buttock in the three most recent cases revealed marked scarring in and about the sciatic nerve. Recovery has been poor in this important, preventable, type of peripheral nerve injury which probably occurs more commonly than is usually supposed. The midanterior thigh is the preferred site for all intramuscular injections in infants and young children.