[External version from breech to vertex presentation (author's transl)].
An analysis of 51 attempts at version was made of which 27 were successful (53%). In 3 cases an emergency cesarean section had to be performed following the attempt at version. In 2 of these cases there was partial premature detachment of the placenta. Attempts at version were begun in the 36th week of pregnancy. Up to the 38th week there was a 67% success rate, while from the 39th week onward it was only 41%. In cases of parity it can be shown clearly that the success rate increases with parity. When the pregnancy is the mother's first, 58% of attempts fail, while in fourth pregnancies this figure is only 25%. Attempts at version are most successful when the placenta is attached to the posterior uterine wall. The size and weight of the fetus do not affect success. The average weight of the placenta in the success group is significantly higher (by about 60 g) than in the failure group. There were no significant differences between the two groups as regards the dimensions of the mother's pelvis. In about 30% of cases there was a fetomaternal transfusion. The frequency of erythrocyte transfer is dependent on the force of manipulation used in the attempt at version and on the position of the placenta. The frequency of section is significantly lower (14%) in the success group than in the failure group (43%). Diagnoses of the newborn's condition (pH value and Apgar score) did not reveal any decisive differences between the two groups. In view of the high rate of complications and failures external version from breech to vertex presentation cannot be recommended.