Additional Coverage:
- Tennessee grandma goes in for knee surgery and comes out paralyzed after injection error (themirror.com)
A routine knee replacement surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville, Tennessee, took a tragic turn when a medication error left a 72-year-old woman largely paralyzed, according to local authorities and hospital officials.
Glenda Dorton, the patient, was undergoing elective surgery on August 14 when a catastrophic mistake occurred. Instead of receiving the intended epidural anesthetic, she was administered potassium due to a mix-up in the hospital pharmacy. This error caused a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in complete paralysis from her midsection down, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Kristina Dorton.
The incident was not isolated. A report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed that at least three other patients at the facility were given incorrect medications. The hospital’s internal investigation, detailed in an 80-page report, identified both individual and systemic failures that allowed the error to happen.
The problem began before the patients arrived for surgery. On August 13, five syringes intended for nerve block use were mistakenly prepared for spinal administration.
The following day, four patients-including Glenda Dorton-were injected intrathecally with the wrong medication, causing immediate and serious harm. Three patients suffered significant neurological impairments such as paralysis and loss of sensation below the mid-abdominal area, while one patient required life support.
Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, issued a statement expressing deep regret for the incident.
“Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event,” Dr. Jagasia said.
“On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients.”
Authorities continue to investigate the case as the affected patients receive ongoing treatment for their injuries.