Wrist Surgery On San Jose Woman Leads To Medical Malpractice Suit, Part 3 of 8

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, Regional Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, or O’Connor 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.)

Plaintiff presented to Dr. Smith on December 29, 2008, approximately seven (7) days following the accident. X-rays showed a fractured distal radius which was displaced. Dr. Smith noted that the patient previously had lots of pain in the left arm related to silicone implants. The plan was to perform surgery to repair the fractured distal radius, left wrist. Thereafter, on December 31, 2008, Dr. Smith performed a closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation of plaintiff’s fractured left wrist. It was noted that plaintiff had an intra-articular radial styloid fracture and volar avulsion fracture of the distal radius with moderate displacement. Plaintiff was made aware of risks, benefits and complications and informed consent was obtained. Prophylactic IV antibiotics were given at the time of surgery. A soft bandage and forearm splint was applied. Plaintiff tolerated the procedure well.

For more information you are welcome to contact San Jose personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.

On January 7, 2004, plaintiff returned to Dr. Smith at which time she was one week postop and a referral was made to The Hand Center for removal of the brace and clamshell splinting, physical therapy and pin care education. TENS treatment for pain was given and a clamshell from Spica was fabricated. Range of motion exercises were taught by the therapist. It was noted that since the breast reconstruction in September 2002, she had had pain, burning and weakness in the left arm and she had been unable to grasp with force.

Plaintiff returned to Dr. Smith on January 14, 2004, complaining of left breast pain radiating to the left arm. She advised Dr. Smith that in July, 2002, she had a skydiving accident. Dr. Smith recommended Neurontin which plaintiff declined. She continued to have significant pain in the left wrist, however, she was only taking Aleve for pain. There was no infection and plaintiff was instructed to continue with therapy.

Plaintiff was placed in a cast on January 21, 2004, which was then bivalved on January 23, 2004, because of complaints of pain and some swelling. Thereafter, on January 28, 2004, she was noted to have limited motion secondary to pain and a plan for further surgery to remove the K-wire was discussed. The surgery was performed on February 17, 2004, which included manipulation under anesthesia of the joints and removal of the percutaneous K-wires. There were no complications.

The operative report notes that plaintiff required a significant amount of manipulation before Dr. Smith was able to obtain full extension and full flexion, with fingertips in the palm of the hand. There were tendon adhesions which were disrupted with manipulation at the time of surgery. Plaintiff thereafter transferred her therapy to Silicon Rehabilitation Fitness Center. At that time plaintiff told the therapist that on January 7th she was taken out of her cast and remained unattended resulting in pain and flexion of the wrist. (See Part 4 of 8.)

For more information you are welcome to contact San Jose personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.

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