The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group are currently representing a victim in New Jersey whose lower leg was amputated after her doctor failed to diagnose compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition that may occur after surgery.
The victim in this case sought medical treatment after suffering a fall, causing pain in her right leg. She was subsequently diagnosed with a femoral shaft fracture, meaning a fracture in her right thighbone. The femur is both the longest and strongest bone in the body, making it very difficult to break. When a break occurs in some part of the femural shaft, it is known as a femoral shaft fracture. In this situation, the woman’s fracture was comminuted, which means the bone had broken into three or more pieces.
Complications after Surgery in New Jersey
After her diagnosis, the woman underwent an intramedullary rodding, a serious surgery during which a metal rod is inserted in the center of the femur to stabilize a severe fracture. Following the procedure, while being monitored by her doctor and nurse, she began to show signs of decreased sensation, numbness, coolness, swelling, and lack of mobility in her right foot. Despite these symptoms, her doctor failed to diagnose or treat the underlying condition.
As her symptoms continued, the victim underwent an ultrasound and CT scan. She consulted with a vascular surgeon, who expressed concern that she may be suffering from compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious medical condition marked by a buildup of pressure within the muscles. “Compartments” are collections of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves in the limbs. When pressure increases due to bleeding or swelling in a compartment, the pressure can interrupt blood and oxygen flow to the muscles, nerves, and tissues in the area.
If a person is experiencing acute compartment syndrome, the condition can quickly lead to death of the nerve cells and tissues in the muscle. When cells begin to die, permanent disability may occur without immediate medical intervention to alleviate the pressure. In this case, the victim was emergently transferred to a hospital in Morristown, where she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome. As a result of her doctor’s failure to timely diagnose her condition, the woman was forced have her right leg amputated below the knee. She is now permanently disabled, in addition to suffering from phantom pain, anxiety, and depression.
Postoperative Medical Malpractice & Failure to Diagnose
This case serves as a prime example of postoperative negligence, which occurs far too often and may cause permanent harm to patients. When you entrust a doctor with your medical care, he or she is responsible for monitoring and addressing symptoms throughout the treatment process. Postoperative care is critical, as the period after a surgery or procedure is often the time when you are the most at risk for complications. Appropriate postoperative care varies based on the specific procedure, but may involve checking vital signs, preventing infection, and examining the area surrounding the operative site.
If your doctor performs surgery and fails to prevent, diagnose, or treat complications after the procedure, this may be considered medical malpractice under New Jersey law. At Fronzuto Law Group, our skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys serve clients statewide who have suffered injuries due to negligent medical care. We are committed to walking you and your loved ones through the legal process, answering all of your questions, and ensuring you are informed and supported every step of the way. Our lawyers fight for maximum compensation and we limit our caseload to provide unparalleled attention and outstanding representation in every case.
If you would like a free consultation about a potential medical malpractice claim in New Jersey, contact Fronzuto Law Group today at 973-435-4551 or send us an email and someone will get back to you very shortly.
Resources: Femur Shaft Fractures (Broken Thighbone), OrthoInfo; Compartment Syndrome, OrthoInfo; Acute Compartment Syndrome Workup, Medscape
