Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
[Can we still perform instrumental rotations using Thierry's spatula? Preliminary study among primiparous]
1Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU Paule-de-Viguier, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 09, France. Olivier.parant@wanadoo.fr
Objectives:
To study immediate perineal and neonatal outcomes after instrumental rotational performed with Thierry's spatula among primiparous, and compare subsequent perineal tear with occiput posterior position delivery.
Materials And Methods:
The study was performed from December 2005 to June 2006 at Paule-de-Viguier hospital (Toulouse university hospital) including all persistent occiput posterior vaginal deliveries among primiparous (49 patients). Mode of delivery was: 1) seven patients with spontaneous occiput anterior vaginal delivery (14.3%); 2) seven patients with rotational extraction using spatula with occiput anterior delivery (30.6%); 3) twenty-seven patients with instrumental extraction and occiput posterior delivery (55.1%). Maternal and fetal parameters were studied prospectively.
Results:
Spatula was performed for failure of progress in 71.4% of cases (n=30) and for no reassuring fetal status in 28.6% of cases (n=12). In "rotational group", only one perineal tear was observed (Third degree) (6.6%) versus seven in "occiput posterior extraction group" (26%) with three severe perineal lacerations. Neonatal superficial lesions are frequent (26,6% after rotation versus 11.6% after occiput posterior extraction). None severe traumatic tears were observed.
Conclusion:
Instrumental rotation using Thierry's spatula seems to be less deleterious for maternal perineum than occiput posterior extraction, without increasing neonatal complications. Theses preliminary results have to be confirmed by more important prospective works.
