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Almost one-third of Americans deal with a painful foot condition called bunions. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe, on top or on the side or both. They can develop on the metatarsophalangeal joint due to extra pressure pushing the large toe out of its natural alignment, either from improper footwear, foot mechanics, or health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Surgical procedures can help alleviate bunions, but risks and complications are involved, primarily when a negligent podiatrist performs the surgery. One of those complications involves damage to the tendons in the foot. Tendons are strong but flexible bands that connect muscles to bones. Damaging these structures can cause significant problems for patients, which can impact their physical and financial health.
The law firm of Lawrence M. Karm, P.C. wants to help you understand how tendons get damaged during a bunionectomy and what you can do to recover the compensation you deserve if that happens to you.
Bunionectomy Surgery and Tendon Damage
Bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used by podiatrists to correct bunions. Surgeons use the procedure to help restore the natural position of the foot by putting the metatarsal bone back into proper alignment. Although non-surgical procedures can address painful bunions, bunionectomy surgery may be used in cases where the deformity is significant, or an individual cannot comfortably wear shoes.
During a bunionectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision to access the bunion. Depending on the size and shape of the deformity, they can trim away excess bone growth to reshape the foot. At times the surgeon can cut or damage the tendon which constitutes a surgical error. It is incumbent for the surgeon to notice this and fix it immediately. Not recognizing it and fixing it is also a surgical error. Sometimes the surgeon need to make a small incision in the tendon when the tendon is pulling the bone in the wrong direction. This small incision allows the tendon to stretch a little longer. The incision is not made completely through the tendon. That would be considered a complete transection and that too would be a surgical error. Severing the tendon completely, especially when it is not a part of the procedure, or causing significant damage to the tendon, can lead to issues like:
- Weakness
- Lack of mobility
- Floppy and uncontrollable toe
- Pain
- Difficulty walking
Damaging the tendons in the foot can also cause deformities, which can lead to significant physical and financial issues for a patient.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Podiatrists and other medical professionals can face medical malpractice lawsuits when their conduct deviates from the accepted standard of care. Medical malpractice occurs when the surgeon or medical professional provides a lesser level of care than a similarly trained professional would provide under the same circumstances or conditions. It also means that a patient suffered measurable harm because of the substandard level of care.
Medical malpractice cases involving damaged tendons during a bunionectomy are challenging. You need an experienced New York medical malpractice attorney to collect and preserve evidence, calculate your losses, and negotiate for maximum compensation for your financial losses. Medical malpractice cases are fact-specific, and working with an attorney who has experience handling podiatry cases can make a difference.
When you work with a knowledgeable podiatrist malpractice attorney, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
The value of your damaged tendon lawsuit depends on the specific facts of your case and the severity of your tendon injuries.
Talking to an attorney as soon as possible is also in your best interest because New York limits the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to just two years and six months. However, when that time limit starts and ends can be difficult to accurately determine on your own which is why you should consult with an attorney experienced in these cases.
Contact Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. for Help
You rely on your feet every single day. Damaged tendons in your foot can cause significant medical complications and keep you from enjoying your life. Contact Larry Karam today for a confidential, no-obligation legal consultation.