Elbow Surgery

Elbow Surgery Medical Malpractice

Welcome to the Kopec Law Firm’s page on elbow surgery. The following is a description of different types of elbow surgeries. This includes who typically performs them, how they are done, and especially potential risks and complications associated with each procedure. When you have a bad outcome with elbow, you may have a medical malpractice claim. It is essential to consult with the Baltimore elbow surgery lawyer.

Understanding Elbow Anatomy

The elbow is a complex joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). It’s a hinge joint, allowing for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). Several key structures generally contribute to the elbow’s function, including:

• Bones: Humerus, radius, and ulna
• Joints: Humeroulnar joint and humeroradial joint
• Ligaments: Medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), annular ligament, and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)
• Tendons: Biceps tendon, triceps tendon, and brachialis tendon
• Muscles: Biceps brachii, triceps brachii, brachialis, and other forearm muscles

Common Injuries and Conditions Requiring Elbow Surgery

• Fractures: Broken bones in the elbow area, often caused by falls or trauma
• Dislocations: When the bones of the elbow joint become misaligned
• Torn ligaments: Damage to the ligaments that stabilize the elbow joint, such as the UCL in athletes
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, often leading to pain and stiffness
• Arthritis: Degenerative conditions that cause inflammation and joint damage, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Ganglion cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form near the elbow joint
• Nerve injuries: Damage to the nerves that control the elbow and forearm, such as the ulnar nerve

Types of Elbow Surgeries

The type of elbow surgery needed depends on the specific injury or condition. Some common procedures include:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): This involves surgically repairing broken bones and stabilizing them with screws, plates, or other implants.
• Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and surgical instruments to diagnose and treat elbow problems.
• Ligament reconstruction: Repairing or replacing damaged ligaments, often using tissue grafts from other parts of the body.
• Tendinitis treatment: Releasing tight tendons, removing inflamed tissue, or injecting corticosteroids.
• Arthroplasty: Replacing damaged joints with artificial implants, often used for severe arthritis.
• Nerve decompression: Releasing pressure on a compressed nerve, such as the ulnar nerve.

Surgeons Involved in Elbow Surgery

Several types of medical professionals may perform elbow surgery, depending on the specific procedure and the patient’s condition. These include:

• Orthopedic surgeons: Specialists in treating bones, joints, and muscles.
• Hand surgeons: Subspecialists who focus on conditions of the hand and upper arm.
• Sports medicine physicians: Doctors who treat athletes and sports-related injuries

Risks and Complications of Elbow Surgeries

While elbow surgeries can be highly effective in treating various conditions, they also carry inherent risks and potential complications. These can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient’s factors. Here are some common risks and complications associated with elbow surgeries:

General Risks

• Anesthesia-related complications: These can include allergic reactions, breathing problems, and cardiac events.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site, which can lead to delayed healing, pain, and potentially require additional treatment.  
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can sometimes occur and may require further intervention.  
• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential complication, especially after major surgeries. If a blood clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition.

Specific Risks and Complications

• Nerve damage: Surgeries near nerves can accidentally damage them, leading to numbness, weakness, or pain.
• Bone fractures: The bones around the elbow can break during or after surgery.  
• Joint stiffness: Elbow stiffness is a common complication after surgery, especially if the joint is immobilized for an extended period.  
• Implant failure: If an implant is used, it may loosen, wear out, or become infected over time, requiring additional surgery.  
• Failure to improve symptoms: In some cases, the surgery may not fully alleviate the patient’s pain or restore full function.  
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): This is a rare but severe condition characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature.

Medical Malpractice Claims in Elbow Surgery

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide reasonable care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the context of elbow surgery, potential claims may arise from: 

• Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing the elbow injury or condition.
• Surgical errors: Mistakes during the surgical procedure, such as damaging nerves or blood vessels.
• Improper postoperative care: Inadequate care following surgery, leading to complications or delayed healing.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Not adequately explaining the risks, benefits, and also the alternatives of the surgery.
• Negligent choice of procedure: Selecting an inappropriate surgical treatment for the patient’s condition.

Next Step: Call The Baltimore Elbow Surgery Lawyer Now

If you believe you may have been a victim of medical malpractice related to elbow surgery, then it’s crucial to consult with a qualified medical malpractice attorney. We can help you evaluate your case, gather evidence, and protect your rights.

If you have had elbow surgery and have been left with an injury, then visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.