Lumbar Spine Surgery Causes Dural Tear and Cauda Equina

Our client went to the doctor complaining of back pain and was diagnosed with a disc herniation. Lumbar spine surgery came next for the client. The surgery did not go well and she suffered a dural tear. Creating a tear in the dura was, in our expert doctor’s opinion, a known complication of lumbar spine surgery and does not itself constitute negligence. However, the client suffered more than a dural tear-the pattern of neurological impairment seen following the client’s surgery denotes injury to the client’s cauda equina. This client now suffers from cauda equina syndrome, which is caused by significant narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerve roots below the level of the spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the nerves, and they become susceptible to injury when this cushioning fluid is lost and the nerves are placed under tension. Such an injury is not an acceptable complication of lumbar disc surgery. Rosen & Perry represented the client and called in its expert medical team to analyze the spinal surgery malpractice claim. Our expert doctor believed the client’s cauda equina was injured when the doctor in question retracted the thecal sac to expose the disc herniation. The defendant doctor strongly disagreed and contested liability. The case settled for $475,000.00.

If you or your family has experienced a similar surgical injury, you can trust that our firm is experienced in compassionately handling your claim in Allegheny County. Find out why Rosen & Perry are the Caring Lawyers. Contact us today.