Four patients undergoing routine joint replacement procedures at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville suffered serious complications after potassium phosphate was allegedly injected into their spines instead of an anesthetic. The hospital said the medication error occurred in its pharmacy and acknowledged adverse health reactions among the patients. At least one woman was left paralyzed, according to her family, while another patient has reportedly described a similar outcome. Tennessee authorities are investigating the incident.
The hospital said it reported the event to state regulators on the day it occurred, investigated the cause and introduced additional safeguards. Families of the affected patients have been offered continuing medical and support services as they await more information about their recovery prospects.
| 1) | Medication mix-up during joint replacement care |
| 2) | Reported injuries and uncertain recovery |
| 3) | Hospital response and safety measures |
| 4) | State investigation into the incident |
| 5) | Families seek answers and further treatment |
Medication mix-up during joint replacement care
The incident involved four people receiving routine joint replacement procedures at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville. According to the hospital’s acknowledgment, potassium phosphate was injected into the patients’ spines instead of bupivacaine, a local anesthetic commonly used to control pain during medical procedures. The error was allegedly connected to the hospital pharmacy. The hospital has described the event as a medication error and said it resulted in adverse health reactions.
The precise quantity of potassium phosphate administered has not been disclosed publicly. The reported substitution meant that patients received a medication different from the drug intended for anesthesia, creating serious medical consequences during or after their surgeries.
Reported injuries and uncertain recovery
At least one woman was reportedly left paralyzed after the injection. Kristina Dorton, a family member, said her mother-in-law had no feeling from the breastbone down after the procedure. Dorton said the knee replacement itself went well, but the patient’s broader condition remained severely impaired.
“The joint replacement went wonderful. Her knee is great. The rest of her is not,” Dorton said.
Dorton said the family does not know whether the patient will recover or what the recovery process will involve. Reports also said the other three patients experienced serious complications, and a second patient has reportedly said they were left paralyzed. The available information does not establish the final medical outcomes for any of the four patients.
Hospital response and safety measures
Shubhada Jagasia, president and chief executive officer of the hospital, apologized to the patients and their families. She said hospital leaders had met directly with each family, connected them with spiritual care teams and provided access to appropriate resources and continuing care.
“Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event. On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients,” Jagasia said.
Jagasia said the hospital self-reported the event to state regulators on the day it occurred and began a thorough investigation. She said the hospital identified the cause and implemented corrective safeguards, including enhanced clinical safety protocols at the Nashville facility.
State investigation into the incident
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Saturday that it was examining the incident after receiving information from the Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Commission. The investigation is focused on the circumstances surrounding the medication error and the resulting patient injuries.
The public information available so far does not identify whether any disciplinary action, criminal charges or additional regulatory measures have been taken. Investigators and health regulators will determine how the medications were stored, prepared, identified and administered, as well as whether existing safeguards were followed.
Families seek answers and further treatment
The affected families face significant uncertainty as clinicians continue to treat the reported complications. Dorton said treatment intended to help her mother-in-law recover had not produced the hoped-for improvement and emphasized the urgency of finding effective care.
The case has raised concerns about medication verification during surgery and about the support available to patients harmed by preventable clinical errors. The hospital said it would continue caring for the four patients and providing resources to their families while the investigation proceeds.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Four joint replacement patients were affected by the alleged medication error. |
| 2 | Potassium phosphate was reportedly injected instead of bupivacaine anesthetic. |
| 3 | At least one patient was reportedly paralyzed, and a second reported similar paralysis. |
| 4 | The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the incident. |
| 5 | The hospital said it reported the event and introduced corrective safeguards. |
Summary
A medication error at a Nashville hospital allegedly exposed four joint replacement patients to potassium phosphate instead of anesthetic, leaving at least one patient paralyzed and causing serious complications for the others. The hospital has apologized, reported the event and added safety measures. State investigators are reviewing how the error occurred and whether further action is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patients were affected?
Four patients undergoing joint replacement procedures were identified as having suffered adverse health reactions.
What medication was allegedly given?
The patients were reportedly injected with potassium phosphate instead of bupivacaine, the anesthetic intended for the procedures.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the incident after receiving information from the Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Commission.
What has the hospital said it did?
The hospital said it self-reported the event, investigated its cause, apologized to families and introduced corrective safeguards and enhanced safety protocols.
