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Medical Issues

Obstetrics-Gynecology - Otolaryngology

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Obstetrics-Gynecology

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that concerns management of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Gynecology is the study of the female reproductive organs and the breasts. Probably numerically the largest number of medical malpractice cases are filed against this specialty group. The cases range from brain injuries to babies as a result of negligent labor and delivery practices to gynecologic injuries such as undetected injuries to ureters during hysterectomies. Negligent labor and delivery practices include medical providers who are unable to interpret the subtleties and changes in fetal monitor tracings that necessitate immediate intervention to prevent devastating injuries such as cerebral palsy. Common claims in gynecology include improper pap smear screening to failure to follow-up on potentially malignant breast lumps.

Ophthalmology

This specialty generates some of the most intricate and complex of all medical malpractice cases. These physicians limit their practice to diagnosis and surgery of conditions and diseases of the optic nerve and all the surrounding structures. The cases range from failure to diagnose and treat glaucoma, to failure to diagnose tumors (malignant or benign) of the optic nerve. Removal of cataracts with implantation of the intraocular lens can be a troublesome area. The new LASIK surgery is breeding its share of cases.

Optometry

Optometrists are not physicians, are not medical doctors and are not surgeons. However, they have a license that permits them to diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye. They must be able to diagnose glaucoma, cataracts, disease of the optic nerve, retinal detachments, etc. The failure to recognize these conditions makes them liable to their patient.

Orthopedics

This specialty involves the treatment and surgery of the areas of the body used for movement including the skeleton, joints, muscles, ligaments and cartilage. The medical negligence in this area varies from the failure to diagnose a fracture to the more sophisticated injuries. Some examples of common claims include carpal tunnel surgery in which nerves are severed, colles fractures of the radius poorly treated, and compartment syndrome overlooked in crush injuries to the extremities. These injuries can lead to disuse of the extremity, chronic pain, or even amputation.

Otolaryngology

This medical specialty deals with diseases and surgery of the head and neck. These surgeons are commonly referred to as ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons. Claims can arise because of mistreatment of thyroid or throat cancer or because of improper treatment of jaw fractures, among other claims.

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