Orthopaedic Injury Claim
Orthopaedic Injuries
We understand that experiencing an orthopaedic injury can be a painful and disruptive event and have resounding impacts on your life.
With this in mind, we provide expert guidance and support to help you understand your condition and navigate the path to recovery – whether from a sudden accident or gradual wear and tear, we are here to assist you.
Orthopaedic injuries commonly occur due to high force or direct trauma to the body. These types of injury can also arise from disease or the natural consequences of ageing. Injuries can occur as a result of a sporting accidents or through an everyday activity.
Understanding the common types of orthopaedic injuries is vital for prevention and prompt treatment.
Orthopaedic Injury: The Importance of Timely Treatment
If orthopaedic injuries remain undiagnosed or untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain, prolonged suffering, and potentially permanent damage.
Seeking timely and accurate medical attention is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Common Orthopaedic Injuries
A fracture is a break in a bone, and there are numerous types, each with unique characteristics. Some common types include:
- Stress Fracture: a small crack resulting from overuse
- Simple (Closed) Fracture: broken bone where the skin remains intact
- Compound (open) fracture: broken bone pierces the skin, increasing risk of infection
- Pathological Fracture: bones weaken due to underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis.
Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the muscles or tendons around the shoulder. These injuries occur when one or more of these muscles or tendons become torn due to acute trauma or overuse.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder that provide stability and enable a wide range of motion. The most common symptom is pain in the shoulder, which worsens with movement and improves with rest.
ACL injuries are tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a crucial ligament in the knee. ACL injuries often occur during sports activities due to sudden stops and changes in direction, which put too much strain on the ligament.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, instability in the knee joint, difficulty walking, and a popping sensation at the time of injury. Recovery often involves surgical procedures, followed by physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Sprains and strains are common types of injury, but they affect different tissues; sprains occur when ligaments are stretched beyond their limits due to overuse or sudden force, or when the ligament connecting two adjacent bones is torn partially or fully, while strains involve similar damage but instead occur in muscles or tendons.
Tennis elbow, a type of injury not exclusive to tennis players, involves inflammation of a tendon in the elbow, often caused by overuse.
This condition, an example of tendonitis, can cause considerable pain and limit the range of motion.
Treatment includes rest, compression, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In certain instances, consulting an orthopaedic surgeon may be necessary to receive appropriate treatment options.
Carpal tunnel syndrome arises from the compression of the nerve in the wrist, known as the median nerve, which can result in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Those who frequently type, sew, or perform similar repetitive motions may develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Management includes braces and physical therapy, but severe cases may require surgical procedures to release the compression of the nerve in the wrist.
A meniscus tear involves damage to the cartilage in the knee that provides cushioning and stability to the joint.
The meniscus is a small section of protective cartilage in the knee that allows the knee to move freely. These injuries can occur during sports activities or from everyday wear and tear.
Typical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and bracing; however, some meniscus tears will require orthopaedic surgery to repair the damage and restore function to the knee.
Orthopaedic Surgery: What You Need to Know
Orthopaedic surgery offers a range of procedures for musculoskeletal problems. Common interventions include several specific types of surgery, such as:
- Joint replacement (like hip or knee replacements)
- Shoulder surgery
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Hand surgery
- General upper or lower limb surgery
Risks Associated with Orthopaedic Surgery: Post Operative Care and Rehabilitation
As with any surgical procedure, orthopaedic surgery carries potential risks and complications. These risks include post-operative complications such as compartment syndrome, bleeding, nerve damage, and infection. Contracting an infection post-operatively can also be a serious concern. It is vital to discuss these risks with your orthopaedic surgeon before undergoing any surgical intervention.
Post-operative care and rehabilitation play a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes following orthopaedic surgery.
Rehabilitation typically involves a tailored physical therapy program designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area. Incorrect advice being given post-operatively or failures to refer for physiotherapy can hinder recovery. Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopaedic care team are also essential to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise.
Claiming for Negligence: Your Rights
When you seek orthopaedic care, you trust that medical professionals will provide competent and diligent treatment.
Negligence in orthopaedic care arises when the standard of care falls below what is expected, leading to patient harm. This can include failing to diagnose fractures promptly, misinterpreting X-rays, or performing incorrect surgical procedures.
Unfortunately, fractures can go undiagnosed because they are not suspected due to inaccurate assessment, so the limb is not X-rayed, or the X-ray/scan may be misinterpreted, leading to the patient receiving no treatment or the wrong treatment.
It also includes incorrect metalwork or prostheses being inserted; such errors can have devastating consequences for patients.
How We Can Help: Seeking Legal Assistance with Your Claim
Claims involving orthopaedic injuries and negligence can be complex and challenging. Therefore, seeking legal assistance from experienced lawyers specialising in this area is crucial.
At Dutton Gregory, we have a team of knowledgeable lawyers who specialise in orthopaedic claims. Our expertise allows us to provide comprehensive legal support to individuals who have suffered injuries.
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