A man who suffered severe complications following a knee replacement surgery is suing a prominent hospital and its staff for medical negligence. Orlando Canales filed the complaint on August 15, 2024, in Harris County District Court against Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, and Dr. Michael D. Kent.
According to the lawsuit, Canales sustained a significant injury on May 16, 2022, when he was kicked in the left knee by a steer, necessitating a total knee replacement. The surgery was performed by Dr. Michael Kent at Houston Methodist Hospital on August 16, 2022. However, instead of recovering post-surgery, Canales's condition deteriorated rapidly. He experienced increased pain and swelling in his knee and struggled with mobility issues.
The plaintiff alleges that despite numerous follow-up appointments and complaints about his worsening condition, Dr. Kent failed to provide adequate care or appropriate solutions. On October 4, 2022, Dr. Kent attempted a sedated manipulation procedure to alleviate Canales's pain but advised him to continue physical therapy without addressing the underlying issues.
By December 15, 2022, Canales reported that his knee was popping out of place regardless of movement or range of motion performed. Despite these alarming symptoms and ongoing severe pain, Dr. Kent continued to insist that Canales be patient and work harder at physical therapy.
Seeking further medical advice due to lack of improvement under Dr. Kent’s care, Canales consulted Dr. Brandon Broome from San Antonio Orthopedic Specialists on March 24, 2023. Dr. Broome diagnosed that the initial implant was improperly placed concerning the fibula in Canales's left knee and recommended another knee replacement surgery.
On June 20, 2023, Dr. Broome performed the second knee replacement surgery at South Texas Spine and Surgical Hospital in San Antonio. During this procedure, it was discovered that the original implant had no proper support structures such as an ACL or PCL retainer implants which are crucial for patients without these ligaments.
Canales accuses Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its affiliates of failing to assess their medical staff’s competence adequately and not developing proper procedures for diagnosing injuries requiring knee replacements among other allegations of gross negligence.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for physical pain and mental anguish both past and future; medical expenses incurred; loss of consortium; disfigurement; pecuniary losses; pre-judgment interest; post-judgment interest; exemplary damages for gross negligence; costs of court proceedings; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Orlando Canales is attorney Jason F. DeSouza from DeSouza Law PC based in San Antonio Texas while Judge Wanda Chambers presides over this case filed under Case ID: 2024-53560 in Harris County District Court.