Which maneuver applies pressure on the anterior surface of the posterior shoulder to rotate it anteriorly?

Which maneuver applies pressure on the anterior surface of the posterior shoulder to rotate it anteriorly?

• A. Wood screw maneuver
• B. McRobert's maneuver
• C. Gaskin maneuver
• D. Ruben's maneuver

Answer: (A)

When a shoulder becomes stuck, you often need to rotate the fetal shoulders so the widest part of the chest can align with the pelvis and pass through. The Wood screw maneuver accomplishes this by reaching behind the anterior vaginal wall to feel the posterior shoulder, then applying pressure on the anterior surface of that posterior shoulder and rotating it forward—like turning a screw. This internal rotation unlocks the shoulder dystocia by bringing the posterior shoulder into a position that allows the anterior shoulder to slip beneath the pubic symphysis, creating space for delivery without excessive traction on the neck. This approach is distinct from maneuvers that mainly change maternal positioning or use a different rotational direction or target.

When a shoulder becomes stuck, you often need to rotate the fetal shoulders so the widest part of the chest can align with the pelvis and pass through. The Wood screw maneuver accomplishes this by reaching behind the anterior vaginal wall to feel the posterior shoulder, then applying pressure on the anterior surface of that posterior shoulder and rotating it forward—like turning a screw. This internal rotation unlocks the shoulder dystocia by bringing the posterior shoulder into a position that allows the anterior shoulder to slip beneath the pubic symphysis, creating space for delivery without excessive traction on the neck. This approach is distinct from maneuvers that mainly change maternal positioning or use a different rotational direction or target.