Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer - Medical Malpractice

Bedsores Do Not Just Happen to "The Elderly"

Jim Forde — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:02:00 GMT

It is a common misconception that decubitus ulcers ("bedsores," "pressure wounds") only happen to people of advanced age that are bedridden for extremely long periods of time. While factors like age, incontinence and certain types of medication are factors-----pressure, friction, humidity and temperature can cause this potentially deadly condition to develop in a shockingly short period of time, regardless of age.

RGGL was recently contacted by the family of a working woman in her 50's who walked into a Bronx hospital under her own power complaining of back pain. Although she had diabetes and hypertension (controlled by medication) she had no other significant medical history. She did require back surgery, and was hospitalized for approximately 8 weeks.

Her family came to meet with hospital staff members in anticipation of her release from the hospital for the holidays. One of her daughters was told that family members would have to be instructed in "wound care," which she presumed related to the surgical incision from the back surgery. She was shocked to learn (and see) that her mother had developed serious decubitus ulcers on her lower back and buttocks while at the hospital. This unfortunate woman now faces a long road to recovery, and remains hospitalized in a different institution, facing many complications such as the continuing spread of infection.

The development of bedsores can be easily prevented with proper care. They routinely appear on "bony" areas of the body that will remain in contact with the bed's surface for extended periods of time (heels, low back, elbows, ankles, e.g.) However, even the simple procedure of turning the patient every 2 hours can prevent this condition from occurring in the first place. These ulcers can begin as seemingly innocent areas of redness on the parts of the body mentioned. If you or someone you know have a loved one in the hospital or bedridden at home, make sure you discuss preventative measures with their health care professionals. Bedsores are no "accident;" they result purely from neglect.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Forde

Medtronic Says Device For Spine Faces Probe

Michael Glass — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:29:53 GMT

Medtronic Inc. is currently under investigation for the off-label use of an implant device that promotes bone growth. The probe has suppressed sales of Infuse Bone Graft, a biologically engineered protein widely used in surgeries to fuse spinal vertebrae.

Some patients say they have been harmed by off-label uses of Infuse. The FDA has only approved of Infuse for a small section of the spine in the lower, lumbar region. Approximately three-quarters of the reports on Infuse side effects have involved off-label use.

"While the law establishes that doctors can prescribe any approved treatment, but off-label promotion by manufacturers is not allowed, there’s growing concern that the line is being crossed, and a Justice Department review is the right kind of response to those questions." said Sen. Charles Grassley (R., Iowa) who has been looking into whether inducements by Medtronic have led doctors to use its products off-label.

The FDA issued a safety alert in July about complications arising from the off-label use of Infuse in areas, such as the neck or cervical area of the spine. The FDA has received 38 reports over the last four years consisting of life-threatening complications from cervical uses of Infuse. Complications include swelling of the neck, difficulty swallowing and speaking.

Since the start of the investigation, the finances of the company have been in trouble. The Minnesota company did not even reach expectations of 14 % growth in the company’s fiscal second quarter and shares were down 13 % to $31.60. Losing Infuse as a result of this investigation would be devastating to Medtronic, which has profited by over $3 billion since Infuse first hit the market in 2002.

Former Medtronic employees alleged illegal marketing by the company, which included inducements paid to doctors to use Infuse as well as other company spine products. Medtronic heavily depends on the sale of Infuse. Medtronic was forced to lower its revenue estimates for this year from $15.5 billion to $14.6 billion.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Michael Glass