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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
A neonate with asymmetric arm movements
Muhammad Waseem1, Gerrard Devas, Emma Laureta
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY 10451, USA. waseemm2001@hotmail.com
Pediatric Emergency Care
|February 20, 2009
Summary
Neonatal osteomyelitis can cause abnormal arm movements, presenting diagnostic challenges due to subtle systemic signs. Early recognition of upper limb weakness is crucial for timely intervention in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Abnormal arm posture or movements in neonates raise concerns in pediatric emergency settings.
- Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious cause of such symptoms in newborns.
- Diagnosing neonatal osteomyelitis is challenging due to the absence of typical systemic signs.
Observation:
- This case report details an infant presenting with upper limb weakness and asymmetric arm movements.
- The infant's symptoms appeared three weeks after delivery.
- The presentation mimicked other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
Findings:
- The infant's symptoms were ultimately attributed to osteomyelitis.
- Asymmetric arm movements can be an atypical presentation of neonatal osteomyelitis.
- Diagnostic difficulties arise from the subtle and non-specific signs in neonates.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering osteomyelitis in neonates with unexplained limb abnormalities.
- Emphasizes the need for advanced diagnostic approaches in suspected neonatal infections.
- Underscores the potential for osteomyelitis to present with unusual motor deficits in infants.
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