Defense Verdict- Unecessary & Unsterile Foot Surgery (KY)
A 62 year old women underwent a surgery by her podiatrist on her ankle in 2004 to remove a cyst. It was performed by a podiatrist. Several weeks later at a post op visit, the defendant had removed the sutures. Plaintiff recalled that the defendant droped the instrument used to remove the sutures on the floor and then continued to use it without cleaning. At a following visit, there were signs of infection. Shortly thereafter plaintiff was admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of infection. Plaintiff underwent a surgery for a skin graft.
Plaintiff alleged that the surgery was not needed and that the defendant operated in a surgical enviornment and there was a delay by the defendant in sending her to the hospital.
The podiatrist-defendant contended that the surgery was proper. He also argued that while there was an infection complication, he responded to it properly and it was managed.
A defense verdict was entered and there was no recovery by the plaintiff.
Experts: David Widom, DPM, Alan Catanzariti, DPM, Pittsburgh, PA
