Ulnar Nerve Injury During Carpal Tunnel Surgery Leads to Chronic Pain and Disability

Case Overview

This case revolves around an adult package handler who underwent a carpal tunnel release procedure. Following the surgery, the individual experienced severe pain, numbness, and tingling in their arm. It was later discovered that the ulnar nerve had been accidentally transected during the operation. This unfortunate incident led to neurological deficits extending to the shoulder and a diagnosis of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The plaintiff now suffers from chronic pain and disability, significantly limiting their physical function.

Questions to the Neurology expert and their responses

How often do you evaluate and manage patients with chronic regional pain syndrome secondary to nerve injury?

I evaluate and manage patients with chronic regional pain syndrome secondary to nerve injury on a monthly basis.

How might chronic regional pain syndrome contribute to the development of chronic pain or the deterioration of a patient’s physical function?

Chronic regional pain syndrome can sometimes result from even relatively minor injuries. Through processes known as central and peripheral sensitization, pain can spread beyond the initial injury site. The body may misinterpret non-painful stimuli as painful, leading to widespread discomfort and functional impairment.

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

Indeed, I have previously reviewed a case involving causalgia (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) resulting from a nerve injury.

About the expert

This expert has over 15 years of experience in the field of neurology. He earned his BA in English and his BS in computer science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and his MD from Ben Gurion University in collaboration with Columbia University. He completed his internship at Cooper University Medical Center and his residency in neurology at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Today, this expert is board-certified in neurology and headache medicine. He is active in his field as a reviewer of over half a dozen academic journals and as a member of the American Academy of Neurology. He has also written a number of peer-reviewed works and presented widely on topics in his field. He previously was an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Florida, the director of the Comprehensive MS Center at the University of Florida, and the director of the neurology residency program at Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, he served as the president of the Florida Society of Neurology. Currently, he is a neurologist at a regional hospital, an adjunct professor at an osteopathic medical college, an associate professor of nursing and neuroscience at a university, the president of a private neurology practice, and the vice president and medical director of a neurological foundation, all located in Florida.

E-042235

Specialties:

Neurology

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.