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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Health Care: UK > Medical Malpractice > Distal Raduis Malunion
Expert: Jack Schroder - 10/27/2009
Question
I have reason to believe that during an open reduction wrist surgery, the pins placed pierced my Ulnar nerve. I got a second opinion from another ortho doctor, after experiencing an inability to rotate my hand 2.5 months after surgery, a stubborn infection in the surgery site, plus severe pain in my arm and shoulder. The 2nd doctor refered me to a hand specialist because of Malunion and reduced range of motion of my right wrist(I also happen to be right handed)and also thinks I now have a rotator cuff injury and has ordered an MRI. I cannot even open a bottle of water or turn a door knob. I am in extreme pain and am on medication for pain all day long. Do you think I have a case against the doctor who did the surgery?
Answer
I am not sure how you know a pin or screw pierced your ulnar nerve, but it may be a fairly good guess. You say that someone has ordered an MRI, and other tests. That sounds like a hand doctor's choice, and so I guess that now you are under the care of a hand surgeon. Good.
Now, I guess (again) that you had originally an open repair of the fracture of your radius. That is the main bone of the forearm. These fractures are difficult to treat. But, that does not excuse the original surgeon for allowing an infection to occur or to cause you to suffer severe pain.
Do you have a case? Yes, probably. So you should search for a malpractice lawyer. Ask your local Bar Association for help in this, or just go to your Yellow Pages and check out the list of malpractice lawyers. Call several and set up appointments to talk to them. Before you talk to any lawyers type a clear and BRIEF outline of the events. Give the dates, names of physicians, findings or procedures for each. Give a copy to each lawyer you talk to. (One may call you after his review of this outline. Lawyers have after thoughts just like anyone else, so give them that chance.) From the several lawyers you talk to, choose the one who has money, time and experience. Choose your lawyer with a little more care than you used when choosing your doctors.
From what you say, my guess is that the doctor who did the first surgery did not know much about wrist fractures. Fractures at the wrist are tougher to treat than ordinary fractures because so many bones are often involved. I hope you get competent help from your hand man. Good luck.
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