Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
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.)
Plaintiff presented to Dr. Hall on December 1, 2008 for a two-week follow-up visit. He noted plaintiff had problems with flexion and instability. Plaintiff could not perform a seated leg raise ( SLR ) and the medial side of her knee showed some “bogginess.” Dr. Hall stated that the wound felt boggy and soft on palpation. Dr. Hall decided to place plaintiff in a cylinder cast in extension because of her inability to perform a SLR.
On December 15, 2008, Dr. Hall saw plaintiff for another follow-up visit. Plaintiff did not have any significant complaints on this visit and stated she felt much better. Dr. Hall informed plaintiff he would give the knee more time to heal and would evaluate her knee in five days. He noted the cast seemed to be improving her quadriceps function and because plaintiff was able to perform the SLR he was no longer concerned about damage to the quadriceps muscle.
On January 8, 2009, Dr. Hall saw plaintiff for a follow-up visit. Plaintiff complained that sometimes it felt like her knee was going to buckle. Dr. Hall noted that plaintiffs clinical presentation showed some patellar subluxation. He indicated a lateral release with or without medial repair might be required. Dr. Hall ordered a long-leg cast with foot included due to plaintiffs positive response to the previous cast.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
As instructed, on January 12, 2009, plaintiff presented to Dr. Hall for another follow-up visit. Plaintiff complained of left knee and left heel pain. Dr. Hall windowed the heel of the cast to relieve pressure and decrease plaintiff’s pain. Dr. Hall discussed the possibility of a lateral release of the patella with scope. He explained the risks and benefits of the procedure to plaintiff.
Dr. Hall saw plaintiff for a pre-operative evaluation at which time she reported pain in her left knee. She was able to perform a SLR but there was maltracking of the patella. Dr. Hall and plaintiff discussed the risks and benefits of an arthroscopy and lateral release with possible medial repair. The arthroscopy with lateral release of plaintiffs left patella was performed on January 27, 2009. The scope showed maltracking and subluxing laterally. In addition, flexion was limited. The lateral release was performed and improved the position and tracking of the patella significantly with 90 to 95 degrees of flexion achieved. (See Part 3 of 9.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.