Surgical Nerve Damage

Surgery is a violent, in some cases, procedure that is designed to repair a person by first completely taking some part of that person apart. It requires cutting through skin, muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and sometimes even bones to reach its intended target and the item that needed repairing in the first place. As a result, there are a number of side effects that can occur.

One of the most common side effects of surgery is nerve damage. The nerve damage may be permanent or temporary but it does exist. Some patients, due to preexisting conditions or other circumstances, may be more likely to experience nerve damage than others. Some conditions that increase the chances of nerve damage include diabetes mellitus, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, obesity, and smoking. One of the most common causes of surgical nerve damage, however, has nothing to do with a person’s habits and everything to do with the surgery being a lengthy procedure.

When nerve damage is inflicted during surgery, it may be caused by a variety of things. Some causes include patient positioning, pelvic retraction, and extended contact with surgical equipment. During surgery, the tissue around a nerve can be stretched or compressed for an extended time. This hampers circulation and deprives the nerve of blood and nourishment. This nerve damage can be structural and or functional. It may be temporary or a permanent feature.

Overall, a person is most likely to receive nerve damage in the extremities and the lower back. In the upper body, the brachial plexus, or group of nerves that extends into the arms, is most likely to be injured. The body’s position during surgery is the usual cause of nerve damage in the lower extremities and the back.

Contact a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you have experienced nerve damage as a result of a surgical mistake, contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130.