This case involves a male patient who broke his arm during a game of basketball in Colorado. He presented to the ER where an x-ray of the affected area was obtained. The x-ray revealed a mildly impacted fracture of the patient’s wrist. The patient was then told to see an orthopedist, but when he presented the next day he was told that the doctor did not accept his insurance. He then presented to a primary care physician at another medical center who made him an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for a few weeks later and placed him in a soft cast. Some time later, the patient’s cast was coming off so he presented to the ER at a different facility and was given instructions to see an orthopedist specialist within two days, however he had to go back to his PCP to receive authorization and referral. He saw the orthopedist who examined him and said that it was too late to fully reverse the damage. The patient underwent a wrist osteotomy and was left with a permanent disability of his hand.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients similar to the one described in the case?
2. Have you ever had a patient develop the outcome described in the case?
3. Do you believe this patient may have had a better outcome if the care rendered had been different?
Expert Witness Response E-006760
This wrist fracture, most likely a distal radius fracture, is a very common fracture that I routinely treat and have published extensively on. Outcomes from such fractures of the wrist are directly related to a variety of factors, most importantly fracture alignment. If a fracture is poorly aligned, optimal alignment is best achieved with either closed or open techniques within the first 2-3 weeks of the fracture. Otherwise the fracture will heal malunited potentially requiring a corrective osteotomy, as in this case. Primary fracture repair typically yields better and quicker recoveries than a corrective osteotomy. I have extensive experience in treating these fractures including those repaired primarily and others requiring corrective osteotomies.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
