Legal Representation for Arthroscopic Surgical Injuries in New Jersey

Serving clients throughout the state for more than 65 years

Many surgeries are performed by arthroscopy — a technique that requires exceptional coordination and precision. A doctor who is ill-trained or careless has the potential to make devastating mistakes when performing these difficult operations.

Founded in 1950, Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC has the substantial experience and extensive resources to file medical malpractice claims in challenging cases. We consult with medical professionals who advise us on arthroscopy issues and act as expert witnesses if your case goes to trial.

Common types of arthroscopic surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat a number of complex orthopedic injuries involving:

• Shoulder surgery — includes repair of the rotator cuff, excision of damaged sections of the labrum and removal of scar tissue
• Wrist surgery — for example, releasing impingement in carpal tunnel syndrome patients
• Hip surgery — involving labrum, cartilage, ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint
• Knee surgery — such as treating a torn meniscus disk, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or cartilage
• Back surgery — including diskectomy and vertebrae fusion

Understanding arthroscopic surgery procedures

Arthroscopy has replaced many invasive procedures that were previously used to treat a variety of injuries and illnesses. This method involves making a few small incisions to insert a camera and surgical instruments. The camera captures the surgery and projects real-time images on a large screen. This allows the surgeon to perform the surgery without ever actually viewing your internal organs and — because the image is enlarged — permits the surgeon to make more precise actions when dealing with minute sections of tissue.

Risks of arthroscopy

The trend toward less invasive arthroscopic procedures generally benefits patients, surgeons and hospitals. Many arthroscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, so you avoid an expensive and inconvenient hospital stay. Healthcare facilities and surgeons can perform more surgeries in a day and so earn greater profits. Although hazards are reduced in this less invasive procedure, arthroscopic surgery carries many risks, including:

• Anesthesia — General anesthesia can cause breathing and heart problems; whereas a spinal block can result in nerve damage.
• Infection — You remain susceptible to hospital acquired infections (HAI) during any type of surgery.
• Nerve and blood vessel damage — A wrong incision can cause permanent nerve and blood vessel damage.
• Complications — Because many arthroscopic surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, you risk undetected complications and the lack of immediate access to emergency care.
• Surgical mistakes — Surgical mistakes may result in permanent disabilities, pain and other lifelong symptoms.

Learn more about obtaining compensation for your arthroscopic surgery injury

To learn more about filing a claim for mistakes made during arthroscopic surgery, call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC at 973 676-1555 or contact us online to schedule your one-hour free initial consultation. For your convenience, we have offices in East Orange Office, Elmwood Park Office, Pompton Plains, and Avon by the Sea, with Spanish-speaking translators available by request.