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, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco General, California Pacific Medical Center, or St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this personal injury case and its proceedings.)
On November 17, 2007, the plaintiff was discharged from Universal Community Hospital and was ambulating well without any significant problems noted. On that same day, plaintiff was transferred and admitted to Community Care and Rehabilitation Center ( CCRC ). On November 20, 2007, Dr. Hong (no longer a defendant in this matter) briefly evaluated plaintiff and ordered that she continue to mobilize with her left leg until re-evaluated. Plaintiff was discharged from CCRC on November 26, 2007.
For more information you are welcome to contact San Francisco personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
Plaintiff presented to Dr. Hall on December 1, 2007 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 an SLR.
On December 15, 2007, 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, 2008, 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. (see Part 3 of 8.)
For more information you are welcome to contact San Francisco personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.