Fencing

The fencing position is a medical term that describes a characteristic posture reminiscent of the position of a fencer .

An 8 week old infant

posture

In the fencing position, the head is rotated to one side, i.e. it is lying on its side. The extremities of the facial side are stretched , those of the occiput are in a flexed position . In addition, a more open fist can be observed on the face side and a more closed fist on the occiput.

Clinical relevance

Paediatrics

In pediatrics , fencing in infants is a physiological phenomenon that represents neuronal development and can be observed from about the 4th and up to the 8th week after birth. It is differentiated from the pathological asymmetric-tonic neck reflex (ATNR) by the rotational component of the shoulder and hip joint. In the fencing position these are in external rotation and the spine is in a symmetrical position. This posture can be triggered by a passive (externally inflicted) rotation of the head in the supine position.

neurology

In neurology , the involuntary, not always immediately soluble ingestion of the fencing position can indicate a persistent (i.e. longer than normal physiological) asymmetrical-tonic neck reflex (ATNR). This can lead to deficits in movement coordination (especially to a poorly trained and automated cross pattern). Furthermore, due to the tone reaction associated with the ATNR, an unphysiological pen grip (tendency to cramp the writing hand) and a deficient graphomotor function are frequent effects. Secondly, poorly automated cross-patterns often lead to deficits in the areas of perception and cognitive performance associated with cross-patterns (e.g. dichotic hearing performance, language structure, structural performance overall, i.e. also everyday structure, action planning, etc.).

Forensic medicine

In the case of death by charring , a general contraction of the muscles, in which the more strongly developed flexors (flexors) predominate, can lead to the fencing position, which can give forensic doctors clues about the cause of death.

literature

• Ambühl-Stamm: Early detection of movement disorders in infants: Neuromotor examination and diagnostics , p. 83. Elsevier, Munich 2004. ISBN 3-437-21440-3
• Hüter-Becker (Hrsg.), Dölken (Hrsg.): Physiotherapie in der Pädiatrie , S. 214. Thieme, Stuttgart 2005. ISBN 313-129511-2
• Madea, Dettmeyer: Basiswissen Rechtsmedizin , S. 162. Springer, Berlin 2007. ISBN 978-3-540-71428-6

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !