Doctor sued over allegedly defective hand implant

GRETNA – A patient who claims an implant in her hand was defective and caused significant problems with her recovery from surgery is suing.

Ricia Drexler-Nofziger filed suit against Charles T. Clasen M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 13.

Drexler-Nofziger alleges that she agreed to undergo an operation performed by Clasen to fix a problem she had with trigger finger in which Clasen noted Drexler-Nofziger had pain in her middle and ring fingers on her right hand as well as arthritis and joint space narrowing. The plaintiff claims the defendant remolded the surface of the joints in question with silicone and that a month later when she appeared for her post-operative checkup the affected area was stiff and swollen.

Drexler-Nofziger asserts that after numerous sessions of physical therapy multiple times per week her middle finger became swollen and rotated and it was found that the implant had become displaced and limited her range of motion in her finger. The plaintiff alleges that the implant was later found to have failed and surgery was recommended to which she agreed.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish emotional distress, medical expenses, permanent disfigurement, scarring, medical procedures, surgeries, disability, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of a chance of a better outcome.

Drexler-Nofziger is represented by James A. Marchand of the Covington-based Law Office of James A. Marchand Jr. LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 733-851.