It is worth noting that situations similar to those described in this medical malpractice case could just as easily occur at any of the healthcare facilities in the area, such as Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy, Methodist, or Sutter.
(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this personal injury lawsuit and its proceedings.)
Dr. Wong examined plaintiff on December 8, 2009. He noted a problem with lateral tracking of the patella. Plaintiff complained of pain in the anterolateral and lateral aspect of the left knee and lateral aspect of the left leg. He recommended studies including a standing long leg alignment from hip to ankle of both legs, merchant views of both knees, and possibly a CT scan of both hip and distal femur. It should be noted that an x-ray taken on January 1, 2005 shows the patella sitting fine and in good position.
On January 20, 2005, Dr. Wong saw plaintiff for a follow-up consultation. Dr. Wong’s diagnosis was instability and maltracking of the patella. Dr. Wong equated this to a mechanical or soft tissue problem. He again recommended that plaintiff obtain a study of a weight-bearing alignment film from hip to ankle and merchant views of both knees. After obtaining weight-bearing films on February 3, 2005, his diagnosis was directed toward the dislocation being due to soft tissue problems on the lateral side. Dr. Wong did not chart any changes in the rotational alignment of the components. He recommended that plaintiff consider a revision surgery to the patellar component.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
On March 29, 2005, Dr. White saw plaintiff. Plaintiff complained that the problem had not improved and that her left knee pain was interfering with all of her activities. She also stated it was contributing to her weight gain and back pain. Dr. White noted that Dr. Wong had recommended plaintiff undergo a patellectomy. Plaintiff strongly desired additional outside opinions and suggested Dr. Owen Lee at University Hospital (UH) as a referral option. On April 12, 2005, National Medical Clinic denied plaintiffs request for outside opinions, but later approved the referral.
On June 2, 2005, plaintiff was seen by Dr. Owen Lee at UH. In his preop charting, Dr. Lee noted that plaintiff had either malposition of the femoral and/or tibial components, or that the attachment of the medial portion of the patellar tendon at some point became detached providing a valgus force. X-rays in August showed a probable misaligned prosthesis.
Dr. Lee advised an exploration with probable prosthesis removal replacement and to realign her extensor mechanism. Plaintiff had left total knee revision surgery performed by Dr. Lee on November 30, 2005, after which plaintiff suffered no further complications. (See Part 7 of 9.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.