Orthopedics Forum - Metal Shavings after Rotator Cuff surgery

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Q: Metal Shavings after Rotator Cuff surgery

asked by: paulv1957 on August 10th, 2007

New User

I had rotator cuff 3 months ago. The doctor said it was only a 10-15% tear So he just went in and cleaned it out. It still hurts, much more now then before the surgery. I just had an MRI with contrast. It showed fluid and METAL SHAVINGS??? The doctor told me metal shavings are no big deal, it happens?
Just gave me more pain pills. Never said anything about fixing the shavings. I am no doctor but I know this is not normal and something needs to be done, they will not just go away? The surgeon did something wrong and/or the instrument used to clean it up was defective. Can you please give me some advice? I just want to feel better. I had neck surgery back in December, fused 2 disks and put a plate and 4 screws in. After going to rehab for a week or so the rehab person said my rotator cuff was the problem causing pain down my neck and my whole shoulder whole time not my neck!
Then I had the Rotator Cuff surgery and that is where I am now. Any advice would be great because I don't feel I can trust the doctor now and fell he is covering up a mistake.
Thank you so much and pray I hear from you soon.

Replies(3)

yogahoneybunny

replied on August 11th, 2007

Supporter

Re: Metal Shavings

paulv1957 wrote:

I am no doctor but I know this is not normal and something needs to be done, they will not just go away?

From experience, I think that you need to go through all of your pre-op documents and see if the "metal shavings" or other possible risks were outlined in the waivers you probably signed. You might also want to consult a lawyer for details.

I'd encourage you to follow your instinct and seek a second or third opinion from another orthopedic surgeon. Often, just doing this can ease you mind as to the relative "normalcy" of a condition...b/c you don't need to rely on one person's opinion and can get a confirmation or suggestion for follow up.

paulv1957

replied on August 11th, 2007

New User

Hey

Thanks for the advice. I am trying to get another opinion but it could weeks if not months before I can get in.From doing some online research, if the tool was old it's possible there could be shavings but I can't believe they should have been left in there and how will they just go away? I can't believe the surgeon wouldn't routinely clean out the area before he closes up?
I'm not the suing type but there is know way metal should be left in my shoulder. I have a lot of fluid which is obviously from the shaving left in there.
Talking to people those wavers are basically worthless, that's why there are so many lawsuits.
It just really upsets me that I have to be in so much pain and all he does is give me pain pills and no discussion about how to fix the error. Someone must have to go back in and clean the area out? Any more help would be much appreciated.
Thanks: Paul

yogahoneybunny

replied on August 12th, 2007

Supporter

They went in 3 times after my ACL replacement to clean up the cartilage that was clicking because it was not done correctly the first time. I feel for you.

If there's fluid in your synovial joint, it's probably protecting it, thus the inflammation and discomfort. So, yes...follow up with another surgeon to consult on the correction. And see who you can report the error to...doctors need to be held accountable for their errors!

Best,
Lee

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