Eyelid laceration in a neonate by fetal monitoring spiral electrode

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of birth injury caused by an internal fetal monitoring spiral electrode. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A neonate with eyelid lacerations was examined within the first hour of life after a fetal scalp electrode was inadvertently affixed to the left upper eyelid during labor. The superficial lacerations healed without sequelae, and there was no globe injury. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular adnexal birth injury by a fetal monitoring scalp electrode has been reported rarely. Because fetal brow malpresentation is uncommon, the occurrence of this injury is unusual. Although alarming, the periorbital edema associated with this malpresentation probably protects the eyelid from perforation and the globe from injury.