Orthopaedic injuries

What are Orthopaedics?

Orthopaedics refers to injuries to joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves and is treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Although many Orthopaedic Surgeons specialise, the main areas in which they practice are:

• Arthroscopy
• Foot and Ankle
• Hand, Shoulder and Elbow
• Joint Replacement
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Paediatrics
• Rehabilitation
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Spine
• Sports Medicine
• Trauma and Fractures

Most people who suffer an orthopaedic injury are treated successfully. Some people may develop complications simply as a result of the injury itself and not as a result of any medical negligence.

However, serious medical mistakes, can and do, happen and it may be the case that you have suffered because of:

• Delay in diagnosis
• Delay in treatment
• Misdiagnosis
• Wrong site surgery
• Post-operative infection
• Nerve damage
• Wrong sized prosthesis
• Complications that can occur
• Compartment Syndrome – a rare but potentially limb losing emergency if not identified and treated quickly
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – can lead to stroke, heart attack, a pulmonary embolism and/or death
• Non-union - (when the bone doesn’t knit together) or mal-union (when the bone has healed in an abnormal position) is a delayed complication of a fracture
• Fat Embolism – can also result in death if not diagnosed and treated promptly
• Vascular necrosis – death of the bone or surrounding tissues due to lack of blood supply, which can also result in the destruction of the joint next to the dead bone
• Non-union (when the bone doesn’t knit together) and Mal-union (when the bone has healed in an abnormal position) but is a delayed complication of a fracture
• Oestomyelitis – infection of the bone
• Tenderness and joint stiffness - a long term complication of a fracture

How Can We Help You?

When medical treatment goes wrong, only lawyers with expert legal knowledge will do. Here at Joseph James Law we recognise the effect that an Orthopaedic injury can have. We understand that a serious, and in some cases fatal, injury can be a severe financial, physical and psychological burden on the whole family. We understand the importance of compensation and can help you obtain a settlement that will help with any financial and future care needs that you may have.

For a free and confidential assessment of your potential claim by our Specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitors please contact us on Freephone 0800 999 1234.