There has been a dramatic growth in orthopedic surgeries, out of which arthroscopic surgery is most prevalent. The muscles that connect out arms and the shoulder allow mobility of the hand. So any damages or injuries caused to them need medical attention. Depending on the severity of the damage, the doctors may prescribe non-surgical or surgical treatments.
Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the all-encompassing procedures that treat varieties of shoulder injuries. Though the success rate if high, there can be situations where the patient might face complications during or after the surgery, giving way to a medical malpractice case. Patients can sue the doctors, medical authorities, or nurses for being negligent. Medical malpractice cases are complicated lawsuits and the attorneys need expert guidance on the same. So they call upon a shoulder reconstruction expert witness for testimony or case reviews.
When do you need shoulder arthroscopy?
An orthopedic surgeon after diagnosing the injuries may suggest surgical treatments. Shoulder arthroscopy is needed if you’re facing one of the below problem/problems.
- Loose tissue
- Bone spurs
- Bicep tendons/damaged biceps
- Shoulder instability
- Inflammation or swelling due to shoulder arthritis
- Damaged cartilage
The surgeons after completing the surgery will sew up the incision and bandage the surgical site. However, the outcome of the surgery and the time of recovery will differ from one person to the other. This is because everyone has a different body structure and medical conditions. For example, Diabetic patients will take time to recover after surgery. However, if the surgeon fails to evaluate the medical condition and performs the surgery without accessing the risk factors or complications that a patient might face due to its medical condition; and if the same negligence leads to death or injury; it will be a medical malpractice case. Patients filing a lawsuit can claim for all the injuries or damages caused. Because orthopedic lawsuits are complicated, the attorneys take expert case reviews from expert witness shoulder surgery.
What are the major complications in shoulder arthroscopic surgery?
While the success rate is high in arthroscopic surgeries, a number of complications may take place which has been listed below. If you’ve been facing any of these complications due to negligence of the medical authorities or the surgeon, you can make claims for that.
- Infection– Infect is one such complication that is associated both with minor and major ones. Shoulder injuries are susceptible to bacterial infections causing serious complications.
- Nerve injuries– It’s unlikely to have this complication and most patients recover without any side effects. However, the tissues and nerves surrounding the shoulder can get damaged while the surgery is performed and is mostly due to technical faults.
- Frozen shoulder– Another complication that might take place is a stiff or frozen shoulder. Patients may be advised not to make unnecessary movements temporarily after surgery. However, immobility may give way to a frozen shoulder.
- Chondrolysis– This is one of the most severe but rare complications that take place. It is the damage caused to the cartilage of the shoulder joints and this problem is more visible in athletes.
If you feel that you have been a victim of a medical malpractice case, contact a professional attorney. They’ll use their knowledge and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair expert witness to build the case strong and will do their level best to settle your claims.
