3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444Tampa, FL 33611 Contactustoday. To help us understand why this happens, the authors present the many possible risk factors, and then walk us through the diagnosis and follow-up treatment. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers see a lot of back injuries and we have seen first-hand how spinal fusion surgery can double or triple the settlement value of these cases. https://schwanerinjury.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/spine.jpg, https://schwanerinjury.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Logo-837x321.png, Spinal Fusion Lawsuits and Settlement Guide. When I was in private practice, I referred many cases to Dave, and everyone I referred was more than pleased. A lawyer can preserve your claim. From the first time I spoke to him I felt at ease with him as he seemed more concerned with my well-being before all. It can occur without symptoms so the patient doesnt even know he or she has it. David delivered more than expected for me in every way and I would recommend him to anyone. We also provide personal injury services in dupage county, cook county, kane county, will county and lake county. Dr. Lewis Sayre, a proponent of clean hospitals and improved sanitation, also made splashes in the world of orthopedics. What's the Average Settlement for Spinal Fusion Surgery? This can happen because the level above or below a segment that has been successfully fused can break down and become a pain generator. They included a revision fusion, a decompression, and a laminectomy. If there are no symptoms, then it might warrant a wait-and-see approach. We strongly recommend that, if you are in need of legal advice, you should consult in person with an attorney who is fully aware of your needs. For many, this surgery can bring forth a greater quality of life. There has been some question about the use of ultrasound and bone scans to help diagnose pseudarthrosis. But the results dont really add anything more than what is seen on the X-rays. Autograft (bone taken from the patient) are still alive and capable of producing more bone cells. In general, it takes at least three months to get a solid fusion, and it can take up to a year after the spine surgery. Or tingling sensation, weakness, or numbness. The bones, called vertebrae, are fused together to form one solid bone. SIJ pain might be caused by one of the following: After such surgery certain parts of the spine become immobilized. However, there have been a number of successful medical malpractice cases stemming from spinal fusions that should not have been recommended in the first place. Spinal fusion surgery significantly increases the potential value of any back injury claim. But here are some of the most common: To decide if you have a possible spinal fusion lawsuit, one significant question must be answered. If you or a loved one are suffering from these devastating effects, we want to help. Patients should think very hard about whether they want to proceed, because spinal fusions are permanent. Thats the down side. According to the Mayo Clinic, common risks of spinal fusion include: infection poor wound healing bleeding blood clots injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine The renter purchased coverage when he or she rented the car. Settlements involving injuries that require spinal fusion surgery can earn victims compensation in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. In 2015, the FDA updated their original 2008 warning that the Medtronic Infuse Bone Grafts can cause excess bone growth and crowd organs in children. Its important to understand that many states have a statute of limitations with personal injury cases. But there are so many variables that come into play so dont discount your situation without talking to a professional. failed spinal fusion lawsuit failed spinal fusion lawsuit The canals of the spine might start to narrow and the nerves right below and above the immobilized by the fusion sector might be affected. An example of this type of fusion failure occurs when there is not enough support to hold the spine, while the spine is fusing. In fusions, metal rods and screws are used to anchor the spine in place while . And heres a more specific example. Not enough study has been done to clear up any questions about these modalities. Spinal Fusion Patients May Have Received Fake Medical Screws, Lawsuits overcome hurdles synonym LIVE But if something about your care seems questionable, seek the help of an experienced legal professional. If you didnt receive reasonable care, its more than acceptable to pursue a lawsuit. She suffered rib fractures and C5-6 and C6-7 disc protrusions with stenosis, radiculopathy, and paresthesia. It is also used in eliminating pain along the spine. And heres a more specific example. Many lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of these products, including Medtronic. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved Medtronics Infuse Bone Grafts. Infuse Bone Grafts do not come without potential risks, which include: Unfortunately, this was used on children. An example of this type of fusion failure occurs when there is not enough support to hold the spine, while the spine is fusing. A doctor is negligent during the operation. Even though you might have chosen the best surgeons, sometimes procedures fail. The medical expenses associated with spinal fusion surgery are going to be much higher than the expenses associated with Level 1 treatment. Yes. Aching at a new location, different from the surgery site. All rights reserved. This is called failed back or failed fusion syndrome, which is characterized by intractable pain and an inability to return to normal activities. failed spinal fusion lawsuit. Spinal fusion is commonly used to treat spinal injuries and diseases like: Complications can arise in any surgery. 2019 Ted Fund Donors The procedure is used to stabilize, straighten or reduce pain in the spine. Once the patient is under general anaesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision to access the damaged discs and vertebrae. So often, patients blindly put their trust in medical professionals, but doctors make mistakes too. Does that make these statistics useless? Did you know that the failure rate (when a surgery doesnt work and leads to failed back surgery syndrome) is 20%? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine, pain at the site from which a bone graft is taken, and. to verify that an attorney is licensed in Florida. When external measures like braces and therapy are not enough, surgery is usually required. They claimed mischaracterized their symptoms and misled them into undergoing unnecessary procedures. Medical Malpractice: Spinal Fusion Surgery - Zevan Davidson Roman, LLC After a spinal fusion surgery there might also be nerve damage in the lower back. David delivered more than expected for me in every way and I would recommend him to anyone. Either way, you need to convince a jury that if the risk had been disclosed, a reasonable patient would have refused the procedure. Patients undergoing cervical fusions for herniated discs usually also need a simultaneous discectomy procedure, which removes the damaged disc. Surgeon preferences and experience can also make a difference in choosing type of revision surgery performed. If you've had some complications after a spinal fusion procedure, you may be wondering if your injuries are the result of medical malpractice. Financial compensation may include coverage for: Additionally, the families of patients who die as a result of failed spinal fusion surgery may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. This fusing process is designed to eliminate chronic pain caused when the bones move and independently. But she was also in pain. Spinal fusions, most commonly in the cervical or lumbar regions, are serious procedures that require months of rehabilitation. Failed Discectomy, Laminectomy & Spine Fusion Surgery Lawyer Examples of Injury Settlement Amounts After Spinal Fusion Surgery. Doctors should clearly communicate the risks involved. Nerve damage that is either temporary or permanent. The most widespread are: It depends on a number of things. Smokers and patients who do not follow the guidelines for movement restriction during the post-operative period are at the greatest risk of failed fusion. But every situation is different, and thats why its important to speak with an attorney. The women alleged negligence against the surgeon. The name of this condition is adjacent segment disease. Spinal fusion is the surgical procedure of permanently connecting two or more vertebrae in the spine. Enjuris is a platform dedicated to helping people who are dealing with life-altering accidents and injuries. Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that is commonly used to treat back injuries resulting in chronic pain. Read more about Enjuris. It's connected to patients who feel pain after having spinal surgery that remains the same or is new and is located in their back or leg. The information on this website is not represented to be or guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. This fusing process is designed to eliminate chronic pain caused when the bones move and independently. He makes sure to answer all your questions, return all your calls, and always has your best interest at heart. A piece of fractured bone embedded into the protective covering of her spinal cord. Finding the best attorney to represent you, Personal injury vs. workers compensation, Food and Drug Administration approved Medtronics Infuse Bone Grafts, gone unreported by Medtronic in 13 studies, medical malpractice claims for unnecessary surgeries, Jules Guerin conducted the first fusions for patients with scoliosis, Spinal interventions became very necessary in the 1900s, Tips on finding a qualified personal injury attorney - where to look, Choosing a personal injury attorney interview questions. Failed Back and Failed Fusion Syndrome | Cedars-Sinai Around 4 weeks is needed after surgery for most of the pain to go away, but for some people it might take 3 to 6 months. Conditions that might require a surgical fusion are: If a vertebrae is broken, the fracture calcifies while that person heals. He is a Texas defective product lawyer & medical negligence . The doctor recommended the surgery when it wasnt in the patients best interest. They will know whether your symptoms are normal, whether they are permanent or temporary, and whether or not they require additional help. A 52-year-old man was rear-ended. Any text and information on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice from the law office of Schwaner Injury Law. Unfortunately, Talia didnt make it. Spinal Fusion Surgery, Lumbar Fusion Surgery, Cervical Fusion Surgery, Negligent Lumbar Fusion Surgery, Medical Malpractice Cervical Fusion Surgery, and Failed Spinal Fusion Surgery. Start here to find personal injury lawyers near you. This is usually in your neck or back right over the spine or along each side of the spine; conversely, it might be in the abdomen or throat to provide anterior access. However, like any other metal it can fatigue and break (sort of like when one bends a paper clip repeatedly). January 21, 2014 The FDA has issued a Safety Warning against the use of bone graft substitutes in children due to increased health risks. Talias doctor didnt give her case the proper time and attention it needed. Fusions in the thoracic region, or the middle of the spine, are less common. But this method isnt very reliable and wouldnt be done routinely after surgery if the patient wasnt having any problems. pedicle screws) may be used as an internal splint to hold the spine while it fuses after spine surgery. A Missouri woman has joined a growing number of individuals throughout the country who are pursuing a lawsuit over the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft and LT-Cage, alleging that the spinal fusion. If you or a loved one are suffering from these devastating effects, we want to help. A spinal fusion is a major surgery. The woman underwent a cervical discectomy and fusion. This can be done with screws, rods or metal plates, along with cadaver bone or synthetic material. Past Florida jury verdicts generally put the full value pain and suffering value of a single level fusion surgery at $250,000 to $400,000. Any statistician who pulled the methodology of how these numbers are calculated would have grave reservations about relying on any of these estimates as a true average spinal surgery settlement value. In many cases, this surgery is necessary because a patients spine is no longer capable of supporting the normal load and stress of the body.