Making a Claim for Negligent Compartment Syndrome
Negligent compartment syndrome following surgery can devastate the patient's life and may justify a claim for compensation.
What is compartment syndrome?
The various parts of the body, such as the limbs and the abdomen and the back, house a variety of muscles which both support the body and enable the body to move through flexing, stretching and contracting. Alongside the muscles and the bones run the body's circulatory and nervous systems in the form of blood vessels and nerves. All are fundamental to the successful functioning of the body and the health of the individual.
If the pressure within a particular muscle compartment becomes excessive, it can cause pain for the person affected. It can also cause pressure to be exerted on the adjacent nerves and blood vessels which can, in turn, reduce the supply of oxygen to the nerves, impacting on the individual's ability to function effectively.
What is the long-term impact of compartment syndrome?
Acute compartment syndrome needs to be treated urgently. A failure to do so may leave the patient with debilitating long-term effects such as the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of nerve function such as reduced mobility
- Pain
- Balance difficulties
- Loss of oxygen to the cells causing the death of the body's tissue, threatening the patient's ability to function
The impact of such symptoms can affect the patient's ability to drive, work and undertake normal activities. Their life can become severely restricted and their income can be significantly reduced if they are no longer able to work.
When is compartment syndrome negligent?
Compartment syndrome can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as trauma or overly tight bandages.
However, it can also occur as a result of extended surgery where the limbs are held in an abnormal position where blood flow is compromised.
If a patient needs to undergo lengthy surgery in the lithotomy position, lying on the back with legs raised, it is normal for that position to be relaxed during the course of surgery to reduce pressure and maintain normal blood flow.
In extended surgical procedures requiring the patient to be in the lithotomy position, compartment syndrome is a recognised risk and a failure to attempt to mitigate that risk by relaxing the patient's position for an appropriate amount of time might be regarded as substandard care.
If the patient subsequently develops long-term physical complications as a result of the failure by medical professionals to take suitable precautions, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Diagnosis and treatment
The shorter the period of time over which the patient suffers constriction and compartment syndrome, the better the long-term outcome is likely to be. It is crucial, therefore, that any signs of compartment syndrome are investigated promptly and treatment is carried out as a matter of emergency to reduce the pressure.
A failure to consider the patient's symptoms and a delay in treating compartment syndrome may also be regarded as poor care.
When the patient's condition is diagnosed, they will require surgery to release the pressure in the muscle compartment. Had the problem not been allowed to develop in the first place, this surgery, putting the patient at further risk of infection, would not have been necessary.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the permanent and debilitating effects of compartment syndrome due to a failure by medical practitioners, in either diagnosis or surgical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
A successful compensation claim can not only provide recompense for your pain and suffering but compensate you for your past and future financial losses due to the medical negligence.
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