Doctor accused of improperly implanting screws, causing nerve damage to patient during back surgery

GRETNA – A local doctor is being sued by a patient for medical malpractice after allegedly improperly implanting screws and causing nerve damage during a surgery.

Andrew G. Dandry filed suit against John C. Steck M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 17.

Dandry alleges on June 29, 2012 he underwent a back surgery performed by Steck at West Jefferson Medical Center in which his vertebrae were fused, an implant was installed and screws were placed in his back. The plaintiff contends that after the surgery he experienced extreme pain in his legs that did not exist prior to the surgery.

Dandry asserts that when he brought up the post-operative pain in a follow-up visit Steck was unresponsive and he sought a second opinion from another doctor.

The plaintiff claims that on April 2, 2013 he saw Dr. Najeeb Thomas who determined he needed to undergo another back surgery which was conducted on May 27, 2013. Dandry claims Thomas found Steck’s surgery had complications including the fusion of the vertebrae did not lead to bone growth as it was supposed to, screws were improperly implanted in his back and that he had received nerve damage during the previous surgery.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life.

Dandry is represented by Thomas B. Calvert of Metairie-based Thomas B. Calvert, A Professional Law Corporation.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge E. Adrian Adams.

Case no. 747-754.