Medical Negligence in a Correctional Facility Leading to Acute Compartment Syndrome

Case Overview

This case involves a 32-year-old individual who was an inmate at a correctional facility. The plaintiff sustained a right tibial plateau fracture during a physical altercation and was subsequently evaluated at the medical unit within the facility. Lower extremity bracing was performed, and a 15 min Med watch was recommended.

However, it is alleged that the patient was discharged to a female segregation unit without any on-site medical staff. The crux of the allegation lies in the claim that the internal medicine doctor and nursing staff failed to provide adequate information to custody staff upon discharging the plaintiff from the medical unit.

A few hours post-discharge, the patient began experiencing pain and discomfort, but no immediate action was taken by the custody officer on duty. It wasn't until a shift change when another officer requested a medical evaluation for the patient.

Upon being sent to the Emergency Room (ER), the patient was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome, necessitating fasciotomy. An expert in vascular surgery was sought to review this case.

Questions to the expert and their responses

How often do you manage patients with acute compartment syndrome?

As Chief of Vascular Surgery at a regional referral hospital based in Southern New Jersey, I specialize in diagnosing and treating complex vascular diseases. Acute compartment syndrome is a frequent presentation in my practice; hence, I encounter such cases several times each month.

In general, what are the signs to be expected when a patient is developing acute compartment syndrome?

The most crucial sign indicating potential development of acute compartment syndrome is a neurological deficit. However, diagnosing this condition requires maintaining a high index of suspicion.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

Yes, I have reviewed similar cases in my capacity as a vascular surgery expert. I would be more than happy to assist further with this case.

This case study underscores the importance of adequate medical care within correctional facilities and the potential consequences when such care is lacking. It also highlights the need for effective communication between medical and custody staff to ensure patient safety. The case provides valuable insights into acute compartment syndrome, its signs, and the necessity for prompt action in such situations.

About the expert

This expert is a seasoned professional in the field of vascular surgery with nearly 15 years of experience. They hold board certification in vascular surgery and have been actively involved in numerous funded studies, contributing significantly to their field through research and presentations. Currently, they serve as the program director of an integrated vascular surgery residency program at a prestigious medical school and are also the director of clinical operations in the vascular surgery division at a prominent hospital. Their extensive background and active involvement in the field make them highly relevant for this case study involving acute compartment syndrome.

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Specialties:

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

Medical Negligence in a Correctional Facility Leads to Acute Compartment Syndrome