Surgical Positioning Injuries

Improper positioning during surgery can lead to serious and often preventable injuries, including nerve compression, muscle damage, or even long-term organ impairment. Patients rely on medical professionals to ensure safe positioning throughout a procedure, but when this responsibility is neglected, the results can be devastating. A Prince George’s County surgical positioning injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue accountability for the harm caused.

Our team at Foran & Foran knows the profound impact these injuries can have on your life, from physical limitations to emotional distress. We investigate the details of each case, examining surgical protocols, medical records, and expert testimony to identify where negligence occurred. Our priority is helping you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain caused by these avoidable errors. Let us provide the support you need to hold the responsible parties accountable and rebuild your future.

Surgical positioning injuries often occur during procedures requiring prolonged durations under anesthesia or specific positioning to access the surgical site. The risk of these injuries increases significantly for surgeries lasting more than four hours, with studies showing a 33% rise in injury risk for every additional 30 minutes beyond this threshold. Procedures commonly associated with positioning injuries include:

• Orthopedic surgeries. Joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and fracture repairs frequently require prolonged immobilization, increasing pressure on some regions of the body.
• Cardiac surgeries. Open-heart procedures often involve extended operative times with patients positioned on their backs, making them susceptible to pressure-related soft tissue damage.
• Neurosurgeries. Delicate brain and spinal operations demand rigid positioning, which can compress nerves or cut off blood flow to soft tissues.
• Robotic-assisted surgeries. While offering precision, these procedures often require prolonged Trendelenburg (head-down tilt) positioning, which can cause nerve damage or swelling.

Patients undergoing these procedures trust their medical team to take preventive measures. If you or a loved one has suffered from preventable positioning injuries, a Prince George’s County surgical positioning injuries lawyer can help determine if negligence was involved.

Surgical positioning injuries can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from mild discomfort to severe and long-lasting complications. Recognizing these symptoms is critical to seeking timely medical and legal intervention:

• Soft tissue damage. Prolonged pressure on specific areas can lead to tissue necrosis or open sores, commonly called pressure ulcers.
• Nerve damage. Excessive compression or stretching of nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Joint stiffness or pain. Improper positioning during surgery can strain joints, resulting in restricted movement or chronic pain.
• Reduced circulation. Blood flow to vital areas can become restricted, leading to symptoms like swelling or discoloration.

These injuries often have profound physical and emotional effects, requiring extensive recovery time and sometimes permanent care. If you have suffered harm due to improper positioning, a Prince George’s County surgical positioning attorney can help hold negligent parties accountable.

Multiple medical team members, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, are responsible for ensuring proper surgical positioning. These professionals must collaborate to assess each patient’s needs and minimize risks associated with the procedure.

Some key responsibilities of medical providers include the following:

• Surgeons. Surgeons determine the positioning required to access the surgical site and should ensure that all safety precautions are taken to prevent injuries.
• Anesthesiologists. These medical providers monitor the patient’s vitals during surgery and must address any signs of impaired circulation or nerve compression.
• Operating room nurses. Nurses are critical in setting up and adjusting the patient’s position, ensuring that padding, straps, and other supports are used effectively.

Negligence by any member of the medical team can lead to preventable harm. Common examples of negligence include:

• Failing to use proper padding;
• Ignoring patient-specific risk factors; and
• Failing to address visible signs of tissue damage during the procedure.

Determining liability in surgical positioning injuries involves identifying which provider deviated from the standard of care. This may require a thorough review of surgical records, monitoring logs, and input from medical experts. A Prince George’s County surgical positioning injuries lawyer can investigate your case and pursue compensation for your damages.

Surgical positioning injuries, such as nerve compression, reduced circulation, or tissue damage, are often preventable when medical professionals follow proper protocols. At Foran & Foran, we are dedicated to holding surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room staff accountable for the harm caused by their negligence. Our experienced attorneys will investigate your case, consult with experts, and work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve. To learn more about how the Prince George's County medical malpractice lawyers at Foran & Foran can help with your case, give us a call at (301) 441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.