Arthrofibrosis is a medical condition where excess scar tissue develops in a joint. This leads to a limited range of motion, along with other debilitating symptoms, like pain, swelling, and inability to bend and straighten the leg.
Those who have osteoarthritis or suffered repetitive injuries to the same joint are at risk of arthrofibrosis. However, some people are diagnosed with arthrofibrosis after a surgical procedure to repair the injury. Arthrofibrosis after surgery is quite common, and it does not necessarily mean that the surgeon did anything wrong.
Thankfully, the condition is treatable, which is why doctors must carefully monitor the patient and ensure that the proper course of action is taken in the event there is too much formation of scar tissue around the knee or some other area where the surgery was performed.
Arthrofibrosis Resulting from Surgery
Having surgery on an injured joint can cause scar tissue to develop on the inside or outside of the joint. The tissue has a tightening effect on the joint tissues and prevents the patient from having a normal range of motion in the knee, shoulder, etc.
The actual cause of arthrofibrosis from a surgery includes various circumstances, including negligence by the surgeon, attending staff, and the medical facility. Or, you may receive poor or insufficient treatment during physical therapy, which can also lead to excess formation of scar tissue in the joint that was operated on.
Arthrofibrosis most often develops in the knees, but it can impact many areas of the body, such as:
- Patellofemoral joint
- Hamstring muscles
- Patellar tendon
- Iliotibial band
- Quadriceps muscles
- Quadriceps tendon
- Cruciate ligaments
- Transverse ligaments
- Capsular pouches
- Posterior capsule
Arthrofibrosis After a Knee Surgery
As previously stated, this is the most common form of post-operative arthrofibrosis, normally after a sports injury or accident (slip and fall, motor vehicle crash, etc.). For most patients, the most prominent symptom is loss of function in the knee due to significant pain, swelling, stiffness, and inability to straighten the affected leg.
Arthrofibrosis after a Shoulder Surgery
The presence of arthrofibrosis in the shoulder is often referred to as “frozen shoulder,” due to the stiffening effect that restricts a person’s ability to move the shoulder joint. It also causes inflammation of the muscles and tendons, which is painful for the patient. This injury is commonly associated with an arm fracture or a recent surgery in the shoulder area.
Arthrofibrosis After a Hip Surgery
Arthrofibrosis caused by hip surgery will impact your ability to walk and do many other tasks that are necessary throughout the day, like going up the stairs and bending down to pick up something. Unfortunately, many people who have had hip surgery develop arthrofibrosis, possibly from careless or reckless conduct by the surgeon. But even if the surgery was performed correctly, it’s quite possible that the growth of scar tissue around the joint will cause problems for the patient. This is why doctors must regularly monitor their patients, ask questions about their symptoms, and order diagnostic tests as needed. This way, you can start treatment as soon possible and be on your way to a full recovery.
Arthrofibrosis after a Spine Surgery
Spine and back injuries can also result in fibrous tissue around the surgical site, and normally, this is a part of the body’s natural healing process. However, there is no denying the agonizing pain and limited mobility that restricts your ability to move and function normally when you have arthrofibrosis after a spine surgery.
Treatment for Arthrofibrosis after an Accident
Your doctor will base your treatment plan on the severity of injury, the amount of tissue formation, the location of the surgical site, and various other factors. Some people will recover with inflammatory medication, icing the area, and physical therapy. Others may need to have another surgery to remove the excess scarring, which is done by making incisions in the skin and using a camera to see inside the knee joint or another site where the surgery was performed.
Why Post-Surgery Arthrofibrosis Must be Treated
Please note that arthrofibrosis must be diagnosed and treated right away to keep it from spreading to other parts of your body. This can lead to permanent damage of the tissues, along with weakening of the immune system. Complications from untreated arthrofibrosis include:
- Joint dislocation
- Infections
- Damage to the ligaments
- Chronic pain and swelling (complex regional pain syndrome)
- Synovitis
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Permanent disability
Can I Sue for Arthrofibrosis after a Surgery?
Yes, it’s possible to file a lawsuit if you are suffering due to arthrofibrosis after a surgery. It’s essential to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you determine liability for the harm you suffered.
One party that may be responsible is the individual or entity that caused the accident. For example, you sustained a patellar fracture from a car accident and needed to get surgery to repair the kneecap. Afterwards, you developed arthrofibrosis in the knee and needed to have a second surgery. This added considerably to the amount of therapy, time off from work, and other expenses you incurred, which you can recover from an accident claim against the negligent driver.
Another option is to file a medical malpractice lawsuit if you were injured by poor surgical practices, failure to monitor your condition post-surgery and other acts of negligence by your doctor. Perhaps your doctor did not detect the signs of arthrofibrosis early, which delayed the treatment you should have received. As a result, you were left with severe complications that have caused permanent damage to your body.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced accident injury attorney can help you figure out the best course of action if you are dealing with arthrofibrosis and other complications after a surgical procedure. All you need to do is contact our law firm and schedule a time to speak with one of our legal experts. The consultation is completely free of charge, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out and learning about your rights and legal options.
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In the event you decide to hire us for an injury claim, please know that you are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee from day one. We bill the cost of legal fees to the party that injured you, and securing the settlement you deserve is the only way we get paid. That’s why we can promise you that your finances will not be affected if there is no successful resolution to your case.
Please contact our law firm today if you would like more information on suing for arthrofibrosis after a surgery.
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