Question

Identify the instrument shown below 

• A. Kielland
• B. Wrigley
• C. Pipers
• D. None of the above

Hint:

When identifying obstetric forceps, pay attention to the curvature and the specific purpose of the forceps, such as rotation for Pipers or traction for Wrigley.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Frame the clinical context.
This is an obstetric forceps. The trick to naming an unlabelled forceps is to match its specific design feature to the delivery situation it was built for. The four classic answers each have a signature shape and a signature indication.

Step 2: Recall the design-to-indication map.
• Kielland - has almost no pelvic curve and a sliding ($\textit{Kielland}$) lock, allowing rotation of a malpositioned (e.g. deep transverse arrest) fetal head.
• Wrigley - very short, light forceps meant only for the head already low at the outlet (outlet/low forceps), and for the after-coming head at caesarean.
• Piper - long shanks with a distinctive backward (reverse) pelvic curve, engineered so the blades can be applied to the after-coming head in a breech delivery while the baby's body is held upward.

Step 3: Read the distinguishing feature in the image.
The instrument shows the long, downward-then-backward curving shanks characteristic of the breech after-coming-head forceps - the hallmark of Piper's forceps. Neither the rotational Kielland nor the stubby Wrigley has this elongated reverse curve.

Step 4: Conclude.
The unique reverse-curved long-shank profile identifies the instrument as Piper's forceps.

Final Answer: Option 3 - Pipers.