Complications From Bone Surgeries

Complications From Bone Surgeries

Although broken bones are fairly common occurrences that can follow almost any major accident, treatment options can vary depending on the severity and location of the break. For most slight fractures, doctors may reset the bone into its rightful place if it has been moved, and then place the limb in a cast to protect it from extraordinary stress. Although a bone regains strength fairly quickly, there is still a significant period when any persisting pressure can cause the area to become broken again. In the case of more serious trauma, doctors may use surgical solutions to promote proper growth.

When considering surgery, there are some important factors that go into the process. Foremost on the minds of most doctors is finding non-invasive treatments. If surgery can be avoided, most healthcare providers will opt for non-surgical solutions. However, with bone fractures, there are certain instances when shards or particular bones make it worthwhile to pursue a surgical option first. For a simple, routine fracture, a patient should be wary if a physician immediately offers surgery.

With the use of pins or metallic components, complications can quickly occur if physicians are not careful. While attempting to promote growth, screws and pins that support too much of the weight of the bone can cause the body to rely on those metallic components. Known as stress shielding, this can lead to the bone atrophying, reducing its strength. In addition to stress shielding, using two different metals in a single support solution can actually lead to bone damage as the chemical interactions of the metals wear away at the bone.

Doctors need to be especially careful when dealing with surgical solutions to broken bones. To learn more about what patients can do if they are harmed by unnecessary surgery, contact a medical malpractice lawyer.