For membership information, please contact Health Research Group at 1600 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 588-1000 or email to hrg1@citizen.org
Background:
Pedicle instrumentation generally consists of a variation of metal plates, rods and screws. The instrumentation is used to affix, fuse or align the spine by attaching screws to the vertebral pedicles. Reported injuries include neurologic deficits, vascular injuries, epidural hematoma, device breakage, slippage, migration and malpositioning. Resulting complications can include infections, paralysis and weakness of the lower extremeties, as well as bladder and bowel control problems. Public Citizen's Health Research Group has been investigating the complaints of injuries occurring in many of the 450,000 Americans who have had unapproved pedicle screw fixation systems implanted into their spines over recent years. The screws continue to be implanted in an estimated 50,000 - 70,000 patients per year.
What We Offer:
To assist attorneys representing clients injured by pedicle screws, our Information Clearinghouse will provide to members a research base on the history of this medical device and its complications. Materials included: