A St. Louis County jury determined there was no negligence by surgeons after a spine patient woke up with paralysis, Missouri Lawyers Media reported Oct. 29.
Six things to know:
1. The patient had surgery to correct a congenital condition causing bone overgrowth, the report said. When she woke up she was unable to move her legs.
2. David Raskas, MD, and the Orthopedic & Spine Institute of St. Louis faced a lawsuit seeking $17 million in damages.
3. Experts for Dr. Raskas' defense speculated on reasons including "white cord syndrome" or injury by use of surgical tools.
4. The patient's lawyer pointed to MRI images and testimony to support the case. However, an expert for the plaintiff said an instrument causing the injury may not constitute negligence, the report said.
5. Both sides agreed the patient needed surgery for her condition or else it would continue to progress.
6. Another defendant in the case settled with the patient, her lawyer said in the report.