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Knee Osteotomy - Doctor Did not provide orders to bend it until 8 weeks by mistake.

Posted , 5 users are following.

karen09487
karen09487

I had a knee osteotomy on January 24, 2018 on the right knee.  The doctors orders were non weight bearing for 8 weeks.  Also no bending until approved by the doctor.  I have seen him 3 times since surgery. 

I had home PT for the first month since I can't drive with my right knee affected.  They released me because they couldn't do anything more until the doctor approved weight bearing and flexing. 

March 12 I saw him and he tried to bend the knee it is locked.  He stated PT was supposed to be bending it starting at 2 weeks.  They never received the orders to do so.  I was never told by him to bend it in the 2 prior visits I had.  Nor did he try bending it.

I am very worried I will be looking at another procedure to bend the knee.  They told me they may need to put me under on a machine to bend it.   I am doing exercises to try and bend it.  Last night I went to the Y and used the hot tub and was able to get a decent bend, but not 90 degrees.  I think I might be getting about 30 degrees max. I am trying to get home PT again. 

I have asked him to submit a new order for PT, since their PT cannot see me for another 2 weeks.  He is not responding to my calls.  Escalated it to Patient Relations.  

Has anyone else had this issue and does anyone have any suggestions?  How long an I expect to get to the point to be able to bend enough to reliably be able to drive?

Thanks for any help that can be provided.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • susan59635
    susan59635 karen09487

    Posted

    Yes it seems like once most of these Drs. get the big money for the surgery they loss interest. I have learned that you have to be your on advocate, the Drs have no idea what PT is doing, PT has no idea what the Drs are doing.. ask them to please take time to listen to you at your appointment I know it’s hard because they intimidate you, but really try to get them to listen, express your your questions on detail.. write them down before you go because you will forget.. to get an earlier appointment just call every day for cancellations. 
  • Irish_Al
    Irish_Al karen09487

    Posted

    Hi Karen,

    My heart goes out to you.

    This is not acceptable from the Doctor or whoever gave you incorrect info.

    I would tell them you will take legal advice and action if necessary, whether you do or not I bet they will fix your problem ASAP and that is the main objective.

    Get well and take no prisoners.

    • susan59635
      susan59635 Irish_Al

      Posted

       I completely agree take no prisoners you’re just a number to them until They know that you’re serious about wanting and needing desperately to get something done this is something you can’t wait on them for you got to push them
  • susan59635
    susan59635 karen09487

    Posted

    Karen you really do need to push the doctors and call every day to try to get an appointment when they have a cancellation most doctors have two open schedules for emergency type situations and if you are at the range of motion you’re saying you need to get into him as quick as you can so he can get you into physical therapy somewhere cause it’s gonna be hard for you to push through any pain the longer you wait .  scar tissue is going to build up so not trying to be negative trying to be positive positively try to get into the doctor and it will help extend your situation to where it will be quicker help
  • martha08360
    martha08360 karen09487

    Posted

    unbelievable what some ortho surgeons do and don't do.  so sorry this is happening to you.  Blessings your way

  • karen09487
    karen09487

    Posted

    The doctor finally called me tonight.  I think I will have home healthcare PT tomorrow.  There were acrew ups and he admitted to assuming.   We all know what that means.   

    It was my mistake for not looking at standard protocol after an osteotomy.  I thus didn’t know the right questions to ask.  

    I am thinking about legal action.   We have to see what happens in recovery.   My first goal is to get to the point I can drive again.   

    Thank you all for your comments. 

    • susan59635
      susan59635 karen09487

      Posted

      Karen, if you think you may need to do that, you need to sit down and think back and document dates, time and who you spoke to before you forget. Then going forward keep good records of the same as medical records notes have been known to disappear your only hope are the ducuments of what you said what they said.. document, document, document 
  • Lorie3333
    Lorie3333 karen09487

    Posted

    Hi i am so sorry this happened to you as my doctor was not great at all when something goes wrong. I am left crippled for now and cant find a dr. to help. Very sad and scary. I to tried to get legal help but was turned down let me know if you find someone. Be your own advocate do some research on your condition, listen to the therapist they know a lot and have been with plenty of people I hope you get through it!!
    • Irish_Al
      Irish_Al Lorie3333

      Posted

      If you can get legal advice in conjuction with an experienced physio it might help.
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