Doctors expect patients to have some swelling and pain after surgery. But lasting numbness, muscle weakness or a burning feeling can point to severe nerve damage. When these signs last for months, patients must find out if a surgical error happened.
Recognizing abnormal healing
The body heals on a clear schedule, and normal swelling usually fades within a few weeks. A nerve that is cut, stretched or crushed stops sending signals between the brain and the affected area. National Institutes of Health research shows these injuries often happen during joint or peripheral nerve operations.
A doctor’s slip of the hand or improper use of surgical tools can cause this trauma. While minor bruising heals quickly, a severed nerve creates lasting problems. Patients often notice these physical limits when they try to return to their jobs.
Symptoms that require medical review
Returning to a job often reveals specific physical limits. Nerves control both feeling and movement, so damage affects the body in multiple ways. Patients may consider asking a doctor for a nerve function test if they notice any of the following signs:
- A burning feeling near the surgical site
- Total numbness in the affected arm or leg
- Noticeable muscle weakness when lifting heavy objects
- Sudden shooting pains that travel down the limb
Finding the source of the pain early helps doctors document the exact location of the trauma.
Where this leaves injured patients
Documenting the exact location of the trauma provides a basis for holding a negligent provider accountable. Kentucky law limits the time patients have to file a medical malpractice claim after surgical errors.
Proving a surgical error requires gathering detailed medical records and consulting independent doctors. This evidence builds a strong case for trial. A qualified attorney can review the operative notes to determine exactly what went wrong. From there, they help injured professionals seek compensation for lost wages and medical bills.