In 5 % of vaginal deliveries in case of cephalic presentation there is a persistent occipital posterior position known to be associated with a higher maternal and neonatal morbidity. In these situations, vacuum extractor seems to be the best choice for assisted delivery but it also has limits and contraindications, for example an important caput succadenum or premature birth. The aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of intra-pelvic rotation of persistent occipital posterior position without instrumental rotation in case of operative delivery with spatulas.

This is a retrospective, monocentric and descriptive study evaluating the rate of spontaneous intra-pelvic rotation of persistent occipital posterior position in case of assisted delivery with spatulas among all live births at the Besançon University Medical Center between 2010 and 2017.

There were 20 205 births during the study and 81(0,4 %) operative deliveries by spatulas in case of persistent occipital posterior position. Delivery in occiput anterior (OA) position was obtained in 36 cases (44.4 %). There was no significant difference in maternal or neonatal morbidity between both groups and perineum injuries were less severe in case of OA delivery.

Operative deliveries by spatulas without instrumental rotation in case of persistent occipital-posterior position seem to be a relevant alternative to vacuum extractor, especially in case of premature birth or important caput succedaneum without altering the maternal or neonatal prognostic.