Orthopedist Accused Of Screwing In Device Without Anesthesia
CHICAGO (STMW) - A man is suing a orthopedist claiming anesthesia was not used when his head device was tightened with screws.
Stefan Kleiner claims that he was fitted Aug. 14 by Ballert Orthopedic with a Halo device at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court.
A Halo device requires pins to be inserted on the outer skull for skeletal traction to manage cervical spine injuries, according to medicaldictionary.com.
Kleiner's device came loose Sept. 21 and a Ballert representative screwed four screws into his head at his home without anesthesia or pain control medications, which caused Kleiner extreme pain, suffering and anguish, according to the suit.
The suit seeks unspecified damages and names Ballert; Gema, Inc.; and Ballert employee, Gene Bernardouni.
A spokesperson for Ballert was not immediately available for comment.
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