Scapular waist retraction in newborns admitted to an intermediate care unit

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal care units have high technological resources that, together with the advancement of science, aim to ensure the survival of newborns (NBs). However, hospitalization exposes newborns to various stimuli that, associated with inadequate care, can favor the appearance of postural changes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of signs suggestive of scapular waist retraction in newborns who required hospitalization. Materials and METHODS: Observational, quantitative, and longitudinal study, carried out with 16 newborns, admitted to the Intermediate Care Unit (ICU) of a state hospital, located in the city of Salvador, Bahia, in the year 2019. Data were collected through scapula measurements, scarf signs, biomechanical inspection protocol, and medical records. RESULTS: Seven (43.7%) of the newborns showed signs suggestive of scapular waist retraction. Six (37.5%) showed a positive scarf sign and only one (6.3%) simultaneously showed signs of the abduction of the upper limbs, scapular adduction, positive scarf sign, and reduced scapular measurements in relation to the spine along with hospitalization. The comparison between the difference between the highest and lowest scapular measurements, with the scarf sign, was not statistically significant. However, those who showed a positive scarf sign and/or reduced measurements reached maximum values for days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Signs suggestive of scapular waist retraction were present in almost half of the sample. It is important to note that these findings reflect the characteristics of the study population, considering their limitations.