A cranioclast (from Greek κρανίον kranion "head, skull" and -κλάστης -klastes "breaker") is a surgical instrument akin to a strong forceps. It was once used to crush and then extract the skull of a fetus so as to facilitate delivery in cases of obstructed labour.Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary: "cranioclast"
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See also Cephalotribe Puerperal fever Instruments used in general surgery
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