A 61-year-old man who suffered complications after having a spinal cord stimulator implanted will get $1.25 million in a settlement, New Jersey Law Journal reported Aug. 30.
He saw Antonios Mammis, MD, in 2017 for lower back pain that radiated to his legs. Dr. Mammis suggested implanting the spinal cord stimulator but didn't order diagnostic studies, an attorney for the spine patient told the publication.
After the initial surgery, the patient reported having incontinence and difficulty walking, the report said. A follow-up CT scan found he had spinal cord compression, and the patient had surgery to remove the stimulator along with additional laminectomies. The patient had exacerbated paralysis since.
He filed a lawsuit against Dr. Mammis, the University Hospital in Newark, N.J., and Rutgers University. The $1.25 million settlement was reached on May 13, after the case was scheduled for trial. The settlement was disbursed on Aug. 24.
A defense expert said neurologic deficits are a known risk with spinal cord stimulator placement, and that a thoracic MRI isn't required in all cases, the report said. Defendants also claimed the patient waited five days after having the spinal cord stimulator surgery to seek help, and if he did so sooner his loss of function may be less severe.
Spokespeople for Rutgers University and University Hospital didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Becker's.