Abdominal Surgery Causing Femoral Nerve Injury
Accidental damage to the femoral nerve during surgery can cause long-term disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
Surgery and femoral nerve injury
Femoral nerve injury is a risk of abdominal and pelvic surgery. Its location means that it is vulnerable to damage in a range of surgical procedures including the following:
- Hysterectomy or other gynaecological procedures
- Hip replacement
- Pelvic surgery
- Procedures involving the femoral artery which is located close to the femoral nerve
- Knee surgery
The impact of a femoral nerve injury
Coming from the lumbar region of the lower back, the femoral nerve travels down the leg, instigating movement in the muscles of the thigh, flexing the knee joints and recognising sensation in the thigh, leg and foot.
An injury to the femoral nerve can cause significant mobility problems. If the femoral nerve becomes damaged or trapped, this can impact on its ability to function which can result in tingling, weakness and loss of feeling and movement in the leg. The patient can, in some circumstances, face permanent loss of mobility or experience difficulty in walking, running and going upstairs. Someone suffering from femoral nerve injury may also be more likely to suffer falls.
Depending on the nature of the injury, the dysfunction of the nerve may be temporary or permanent. The nerve may have become compressed or it may have been cut. The patient may recover or they may not. Some patients require further surgery to try to resolve the damage and restore the function of the nerve.
Causes of femoral nerve injury in surgery
Injury to the femoral nerve is sometimes associated with prolonged and/or inappropriate positioning of the patient by the surgeon during the surgical procedure. It has also been linked to damage caused by misuse of the implements being used during the surgical procedure and inappropriate choice of incision site.
Medical negligence
Where the patient suffers an injury to the femoral nerve during a surgical procedure, the surgeon may be considered to have acted negligently.
Where the impact of that injury causes the patient long-term and disabling symptoms, restricting their independence and ability to work, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Call us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you or a loved one are suffering the debilitating effects of a negligent femoral nerve injury.
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