Abstract
1. It is possible that neonatal sciatic palsy occurs more often than is suggested by perusal of the literature: paralysis of a foot may easily be overlooked in the new-born infant; it may be regarded as a temporary paresis due to mild birth trauma; or in later months it may be attributed to poliomyelitis.
2. Eleven cases of neonatal sciatic palsy are reported. Autopsy in one suggested that the paralysis was due to direct pressure on the sciatic nerve before birth.
3. A hypothesis is advanced by which to explain how pressure on the nerve trunk may arise in utero.
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