Orthopedics, also spelled orthopaedics, is a medical specialty involving the musculoskeletal system. Like all other areas of medicine, there are good and bad outcomes when dealing with conditions that affect the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms that require an orthopedist or orthopedic procedure, the treatment you receive will have an enormous effect on the results. When errors occur during or following orthopedic surgery, you may experience serious complications that require corrective procedures and long-term rehabilitative treatments and therapies. The costly effects of orthopedic negligence can burden you and those you love financially and emotionally. When these situations unfortunately occur, you can pursue compensation with a medical malpractice claim.
Medical Negligence in Orthopedics
Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. While some orthopedists handle all regions of the body within this area of practice, including joint problems, spinal conditions, and other issues affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, other doctors concentrate solely on a smaller portion of the body. For example, you may see an orthopedist who handles only the spine; feet and ankles; hands and wrists; hips and knees; or shoulders and elbows. Regardless of the specialization of the orthopedist involved in your case, he or she is responsible for providing the appropriate standard of care.
Medical negligence and mistakes can occur at any stage of the orthopedic diagnostic and treatment process, including after an orthopedic surgery. Errors during a procedure or failure to prevent or address complications after a procedure can lead to severe, permanent harm.
Complications from Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic procedures, including surgery and other treatments, may be necessary to address a broad range of problems in the musculoskeletal system. Patients may need an orthopedic surgeon for a hip replacement, knee replacement, a herniated disc, lumbar stenosis, osteoarthritis, and many others. A few of the procedures often used to treat patients with orthopedic conditions include repairs for bone fractures, torn ligaments or tendons; arthroscopy (treatment for arthritis and other joint problems); arthroplasty (joint replacement); osteotomy (corrective procedure for bone deformities); and spinal surgery.
While an orthopedic procedure can significantly improve your quality of life, it can also result in serious complications, one of the most dangerous of which affects the vascular system. Some of the possible vascular complications during, immediately after, or in the late postoperative period include:
- Laceration: occurs when a blood vessel or artery is cut
- Pseudoaneurysm: occurs when an injury to the blood vessel wall causes blood to pool in the surrounding tissue
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein in one of the extremities, which can lead to pulmonary embolism
- Arteriovenous fistula: occurs when there is an abnormal connection between a vein and an artery, which can interrupt blood flow
The aforementioned vascular complications often result from hip replacements, knee replacements, spine surgery, and arthroscopic knee surgery. When any of these or other complications arise, doctors must immediately diagnose and address them in order to prevent severe injuries. Vascular surgery may be necessary to correct the issues or the patient’s condition can quickly become worse. Untreated vascular complications after orthopedic surgery can lead to paralysis, amputation, and even death.
Orthopedist Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey
Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group serve on behalf of injured patients throughout New Jersey who have suffered serious harm as a result of negligence by doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other medical professionals. In a recent case, we represented the family of a man who suffered organ damage and wrongful death caused by serious errors during surgery. If you suffered complications during or after orthopedic surgery, our New Jersey medical negligence lawyers can help you pursue just compensation. We will thoroughly examine the medical records and circumstances surrounding your orthopedic procedure to identify when and how errors occurred. With a strategy informed by evidence and vast experience, we will zealously pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Call us today at 973-435-4551 or fill out an online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
Additional Information & ResourcesÂ
- Vascular complications in orthopaedic surgery, Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants
- Recognising and dealing with complications in orthopaedic surgery, Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Fronzuto Law Group Represents Victim of Organ Damage during Surgery
- Our Team Represents Patient Injured during Foot Surgery
