Opinion ID: 2459975
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bridges

Text: On September 11, 1990, Edward J. Eyring performed a right total knee replacement on Carolyn Bridges with his assistant, Becky Phillips, attending. A little over two months later, Bridges voluntarily signed a Physician-Patient Arbitration Agreement with Eyring. At the time of signing, she also initialed a provision in the agreement making it effective as of the date of first medical services. The agreement, therefore, was retroactive to medical services rendered before the date of the agreement, including the September knee replacement surgery. Bridges' complaint for medical malpractice against Eyring and Phillips alleges that not long after she signed the agreement, she began having trouble with the artificial knee joint. It became loose and unstable, making ambulation difficult and interfering with her ability to carry out her employment duties. She says she consulted another orthopedic surgeon who informed her that the prosthesis had been improperly applied, resulting in instability and pain. Because of her problems, Bridges was required to undergo a second knee replacement surgery, during which the original joint was replaced by another less durable type of prosthesis.