NEW IMAGES:

NEW IMAGES:
Celebs Commit Fashion Faux Pas

°

Homepage / Orlando News
Text Size

Doctor Admits Implanting Screwdriver In Patient

Family Sues Medical Center, Doctor

POSTED: Wednesday, February 15, 2006
UPDATED: 11:40 am EST February 15, 2006

A family in Hilo, Hawaii, has sued a doctor after the man admitted he implanted a screwdriver into the neck of a patient, instead of titanium rods, according to a Local 6 News report.


IMAGES: More strange stories, images
MOST POPULAR: Dogs Found Unable To Walk Because Of Hair

Local 6 News showed an X-ray of Arturo Iturralde's neck with a vertical screwdriver shaft inside.

Doctor Robert Ricketson said that during a surgery on Iturralde, a nurse told him there were no more titanium rods for his neck.

Ricketson said he did not feel he could risk keeping the man under anesthetic with an unstable spine for any longer so he made the decision to substitute the rods with a screwdriver, according to the report.

An attending nurse, Janelle Feldmeyer, said she was kicked out of the operating by Ricketson and later found out from a co-worker at Hilo Medical Center how the surgery ended.

"She said Dr. Ricketson used a screwdriver that he cut apart from the instrumentation tray," Feldmeyer said. "And I said to Theresa at that time, 'He can not do that.'"

Feldmeyer said she complained to superiors at the hospital on different occasions but was told to keep quiet, according to the report.

Iturralde's family is now suing the Ricketson and the medical center.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
Text Size

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular