Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn

If medical professionals fail to manage a knee infection in a satisfactory fashion, it is possible for a patient to suffer a devastating degree of damage. If you have been one such victim of a negligently managed knee infection, you need to know what your options are, as you could be entitled to compensation.

Negligently Managed Knee Infection.

Infection of the knee can occur in a number of ways, although one of the most common causes is surgery. While there is always the risk of infection during a surgical procedure, the risk is much greater when the knee is being operated on. This is because the amount of tissue damage is extensive, thereby giving bacteria an increased opportunity to enter the body.

Whether due to surgery, a wound or systemic infection, someone with a knee infection will soon start to present symptoms such as: fever, extreme pain, pus and stiffness in the joint and inability to bear weight on the knee. These signs should quickly be recognised by medical staff as an infection, and action should be taken to treat the problem. This will include taking a fluid aspiration from the infected area to send for testing, administering antibiotics and performing arthroscopic wash outs.

However, if these steps are not carried out in a timely fashion, a patient's condition will soon deteriorate. In this case, the delay in diagnosis and/or treatment could amount to medical negligence. Furthermore, if it is found the infection was caused in a negligent manner (for example, from non-sterile equipment) then a patient may be able to make a claim.

Complications of a Knee Infection.

A delay in diagnosing and treating a knee infection can cause a number of serious complications. This is because the pus will damage the articular cartilage in the knee, which will be quickly destroyed if medical intervention is not provided. Along with articular damage, a patient may suffer from septic arthritis, renal and hepatic problems and disability. It may be necessary for further surgery to be performed to clean out the joint, or too remove the dead tissue (known as surgical debridement). In extreme cases, a total knee replacement or amputation may be required.

What Action You Can Take?

If you have had a knee infection which was negligently managed, you will understandably be feeling angry and upset about the poor standard of care you received. Not only will you have suffered an unnecessary physical injury, your life will also be adversely affected, having a negative impact on work, family and social activities.

If this sounds familiar, you need to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as you could be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. A solicitor specialising in this area of the law will be able to explain in greater detail. However, if you were the victim of a substandard level of care which in turn caused you personal injury, you will be able to claim compensation.