Femoral Nerve Injury During Surgery

Femoral Nerve Injury Caused By Medical Negligence

At Lupetin & Unatin, we are a medical malpractice law firm with a proven track record of handling cases involving femoral nerve injuries caused by surgical negligence. We understand the life-altering impact this type of injury can have—not only on the patient but also on their family. Our attorneys have successfully pursued compensation for clients who have suffered femoral nerve damage, helping them reclaim their lives after such devastating events. We know what it takes to win these complex cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert legal representation.

What Is the Femoral Nerve and Why Is It Important?

The femoral nerve is one of the largest and most critical nerves in the human body. It originates in the lumbar spine and travels through the pelvis to the front of the thigh. This nerve plays a vital role in both movement and sensation:

• Motor functions: The femoral nerve powers muscles in the front of the thigh, including the quadriceps, enabling actions like walking, running, and climbing stairs.
• Sensory functions: It provides feeling to the skin on the front of the thigh and the inner lower leg.

Damage to this nerve can cause severe mobility issues, chronic pain, and a diminished quality of life, making its protection during surgery essential.

What Types of Surgery Can Cause Femoral Nerve Damage?

Several surgical procedures carry a risk of femoral nerve injury, particularly those involving the pelvis, abdomen, or thighs. Examples include:

• Hip surgeries: Hip replacements, revisions, or arthroscopies can inadvertently damage the femoral nerve due to its proximity to the surgical site.
• Pelvic fracture repairs: Trauma surgeries involving the pelvis often pose a risk due to the complex anatomy and nerve positioning.
• Abdominal surgeries: Procedures like hernia repairs or tumor removals may place undue strain or pressure on the femoral nerve.
• Vascular surgeries: Femoral artery bypasses, catheter placements, or other vascular interventions in the groin area can result in nerve damage.
• Gynecological surgeries: Hysterectomies, pelvic organ prolapse repairs, or other procedures near the reproductive organs may injure the nerve.

Improper positioning during surgery, excessive retraction, or careless handling of surgical tools can contribute to femoral nerve damage.

How Common Is Femoral Nerve Damage During Surgery?

Femoral nerve injuries during surgery are relatively rare but recognized complications. The frequency varies depending on the type of surgery and the expertise of the surgical team. For instance:

• Hip replacement surgeries: Studies estimate that femoral nerve injury occurs in approximately 0.1% to 0.4% of cases.
• Pelvic fracture repairs: The risk can be significantly higher due to the complex anatomy and the need to stabilize bones near the nerve.
• Gynecological or vascular surgeries: While less common, improper surgical techniques or patient positioning can increase the risk.

These statistics underscore the importance of skilled surgeons, careful planning, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent such injuries.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Femoral Nerve Damage?

The severity of long-term effects depends on the extent of the injury and the timeliness of treatment. Potential outcomes include:

• Motor dysfunction: Weakness or paralysis in the quadriceps muscles, making it difficult to straighten the knee or bear weight on the affected leg.
• Sensory loss: Numbness or tingling in the front of the thigh and inner lower leg.
• Chronic pain: Persistent burning, shooting pain, or hypersensitivity in the affected area.
• Functional limitations: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or maintaining balance.
• Muscle atrophy: Wasting of the thigh muscles due to disuse over time.

For many patients, these effects can require lifelong medical care, physical therapy, or assistive devices like braces or walkers.

Can the Femoral Nerve Be Repaired Once Damaged?

The possibility of recovery depends on the severity and cause of the injury. Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises and rehabilitation can help patients regain mobility and reduce pain.
• Nerve decompression: Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may restore function in cases of compression injuries.
• Nerve grafts: Replacing a damaged segment of the nerve with a healthy one may be necessary for severe injuries.
• Pain management: Medications or nerve blocks may be used to address chronic pain.

While some patients recover fully, others may face permanent limitations even after extensive treatment.

How Common Is Medical Malpractice in Femoral Nerve Injury Cases?

Medical malpractice involving femoral nerve damage is uncommon but does occur. In these cases, injuries often result from preventable errors, including:

• Improper positioning of the patient during surgery, leading to prolonged compression of the nerve.
• Misidentification of anatomical landmarks, resulting in accidental nerve severing.
• Failure to recognize or address post-surgical complications, such as hematomas or swelling compressing the nerve.
• Negligent use of surgical tools or techniques.

Such instances may constitute malpractice when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care.

Examples of Lawsuit Settlements or Verdicts Involving Femoral Nerve Damage

Here are detailed examples of legal outcomes in femoral nerve injury cases:

1. $17.5 Million Verdict in Texas: A man in his 30s underwent surgery to remove a hernia mesh. Post-operatively, he experienced numbness and immobility in his right leg. Diagnostic studies revealed complete loss of motor and sensory function in the right femoral nerve. The injury was attributed to surgical error, leading to permanent impairments, including chronic nerve pain and mobility issues. The jury awarded $17.5 million to the patient and his wife.
2. $450,000 Verdict in Pennsylvania: A patient underwent spinal fusion surgery at Beaver Medical Center. During the procedure, the surgeon harvested bone from the patient’s pelvis, inadvertently severing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Post-surgery, the patient experienced painful sensations in the leg. A subsequent operation confirmed the nerve injury. The jury awarded $450,000 in damages.
3. $425,000 Settlement in New York: Following a surgical procedure, a patient developed a hematoma involving the left iliacus and iliopsoas muscles, leading to femoral neuropathy and femoral nerve damage. The injury was linked to the defendant’s failure to monitor the patient’s INR levels post-operatively. The case was settled for $425,000 after jury selection.
4. $2.5 Million Settlement in California: A patient suffered permanent nerve injury due to medical negligence during a cardiac catheterization procedure. The injury resulted in chronic pain and weakness in the patient’s dominant arm, significantly impacting her professional and personal life. The physician group agreed to a $2.5 million settlement to compensate for pain, suffering, future medical needs, and loss of earnings.

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These cases underscore the severe consequences of femoral nerve injuries resulting from surgical errors and the legal recourse available to affected patients.

How Lupetin & Unatin Can Help

At Lupetin & Unatin, we understand how devastating femoral nerve injuries can be. Our experienced Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys are committed to helping victims secure justice and the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can assist:

• Thorough investigations: We work to uncover negligence by reviewing medical records, consulting experts, and reconstructing the events leading to your injury.
• Expert collaboration: We partner with leading medical professionals to strengthen your case.
• Aggressive advocacy: Whether in settlement negotiations or the courtroom, we fight relentlessly for your rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered femoral nerve damage due to medical malpractice, contact Lupetin & Unatin today. We are here to guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the justice and recovery you deserve.