Knee Implant Recipient Suffers Opening of Wound After Surgery

This case involves a elderly man who underwent a left total knee replacement. Two days after surgery, the student nurse had him try to stand up. However, the patient did not have his knee brace on and nerve block was still in place. Subsequently, the patient fell to the floor and his incision burst open. He had to be taken to the operating room to clean and resuture the incision. He was discharged to rehabilitation soon after, but returned to the hospital because he had uncontrollable pain in his right leg and subsequently could not participate in physical therapy. He was given pain medication, but saw no improvement within the next 36 hours. It was then discovered that he had a fractured of his tibia due to the previous fall and the surgical site had become infected.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you routinely treat patients and perform the procedure similar to the one described in the case? Please explain.

2. How many independent medical examinations have you performed over the past year? In your career?

Expert Witness Response E-007396

I routinely perform total knee replacement surgery with blocks and perform approximately 1-2 independent medical examinations per month. I have 40 years of training and experience in orthopedic surgery.