Radial Nerve Injury During Surgery

The radial nerve is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, running from the brachial plexus in the shoulder, down the arm, and into the hand. It is responsible for both sensory and motor functions, including providing sensation to the back of the hand and powering the muscles that extend the wrist, fingers, and thumb. This functionality is essential for performing daily tasks such as gripping, lifting, and writing. Damage to the radial nerve can severely impact a person’s ability to use their arm and hand, making it a vital nerve for maintaining independence and quality of life.

What Types of Surgery Can Result in Damage to the Radial Nerve?

Radial nerve injuries can occur during various surgical procedures, especially those involving the upper arm, elbow, and shoulder. Some common surgeries that pose a risk include:

• Orthopedic procedures: fixing broken bones in the shoulder or arm (like the humerus) can put the radial nerve at risk.
• Joint replacement surgeries:: surgeries to replace joints in the elbow or shoulder can sometimes harm the radial nerve.
• Trauma-related surgeries, treating deep cuts or crushed tissue caused by traumatic accidents may affect the radial nerve.
• Plastic or reconstructive surgeries: procedures to repair tendons or soft tissue reconstruction may accidentally damage the radial nerve.
• Liposuction or other cosmetic procedures that involve the arms can result in radial nerve damage.

How Common is Radial Nerve Damage or Injury?

While radial nerve damage is not exceedingly common, it is a recognized risk in surgical settings. Studies estimate that nerve injuries occur in approximately 1-3% of surgical procedures involving the upper extremities. The frequency may vary based on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or pre-existing nerve damage. These statistics highlight why it is important for surgeons to exercise sufficient knowledge, skill, and expertise during and after surgery and minimize the risk of permanent radial nerve injury to the patient.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Damage to the Radial Nerve?

The long-term effects of radial nerve damage depend on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of treatment. Potential consequences include:

• Chronic weakness or paralysis in the wrist, fingers, or thumb, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
• Persistent numbness or tingling in the back of the hand and forearm.
• Severe pain, including burning or shooting sensations.
• Loss of fine motor skills, impacting activities like writing or typing.
• Muscle atrophy, resulting in reduced arm or hand function over time.

These effects can significantly impair a person’s quality of life and may lead to emotional distress or loss of earnings.

Can the Radial Nerve Be Repaired Once Damaged?

The prognosis for radial nerve injuries depends on the extent and cause of the damage. Options for repair include:

• Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nerve stimulation, which may help in mild cases.
• Surgical repair, including nerve grafting or nerve transfer, may be required for severe injuries. These procedures aim to restore function but often come with varying degrees of success.
• Time and monitoring, as some minor injuries may heal on their own over months.

It is critical that surgeons recognize the difference between a radial nerve injury which will resolve over time from that which requires prompt surgery to repair the nerve.  Even with repair, full recovery is not guaranteed, and many patients may experience residual deficits.

How Common is Medical Malpractice Associated with Radial Nerve Damage During Surgery?

Medical malpractice involving radial nerve damage during surgery is uncommon but does happen. Such cases often arise due to:

• Surgical errors, such as improper technique, failure to properly identify and protect the radial nerve, or misplacement of surgical tools.
• Failure to identify and protect the radial nerve during surgery.
• Inadequate preoperative planning, especially in complex cases.
• Postoperative negligence, such as improper splinting, failure to test or monitor for signs of radial nerve injury, and delay in treatment of radial nerve injuries that will not heal on their own.

Examples of How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Serious Injury in Radial Nerve Cases

Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences when radial nerve damage occurs. Examples include:

• A surgeon inadvertently cutting or severing the radial nerve during a humerus fracture repair.
• Missed or delayed diagnosis of nerve compression following surgery.
• Poorly executed joint replacement surgery causing irreversible nerve damage.
• Inadequate follow-up care leading to untreated injury to the radial nerve, such as nerve entrapment, compression, and nerve death.

Lawsuit Settlements or Verdicts Involving Radial Nerve Damage

1. California: A $1.5 million settlement for a patient who suffered permanent radial nerve damage during shoulder surgery due to improper surgical technique.
2. Texas: A $2.3 million verdict in a case where a surgeon’s negligence during elbow replacement surgery caused irreversible nerve injury.
3. New York: A $750,000 settlement for a patient whose radial nerve was severed during humerus fracture repair.
4. Florida: A $1.2 million settlement for a patient who experienced nerve entrapment post-surgery, attributed to improper postoperative care.
5. Illinois: A $2 million verdict for a cosmetic surgery patient whose radial nerve was permanently damaged during an arm lift procedure.
6. Pennsylvania: A $1.8 million settlement for a patient who suffered radial nerve paralysis following a mismanaged orthopedic procedure.

How Lupetin & Unatin Can Help

At Lupetin & Unatin, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving catastrophic injuries, including those caused by radial nerve damage during surgical procedures. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take on individuals and families. Our team is committed to thoroughly investigating your case, collaborating with medical experts, and pursuing the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe harm or loss due to medical malpractice, contact Lupetin & Unatin. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure justice for the negligence that changed your life.