Errors By A Surgeon Cause A Rare Spinal Injury

I recently settled a rather unusual spinal injury clinical negligence claim. For approximately 2 years following the development of back pain whilst moving a heavy load, my client, who was the Claimant, suffered with left-sided sciatica due to L5/S1 intervertebral disc degenerative disease and disc herniation, with left S1 nerve root compression and resulting radiculopathy, confirmed by MRI scan. Initial conservative management was successful but, latterly, even facet joint injection failed to alleviate the sciatica and the giving way of the Claimant's leg.

The Claimant's spinal surgeon advised spinal fusion. However, following a recommendation from his work occupational health doctor, the Claimant attended an outpatient appointment on a private basis with the Defendant spinal surgeon for a second opinion. The surgeon recommended a left L5/S1 Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression and Foraminoplasty (TELDF), with fusion to be held in reserve. There was