A 72-year-old Tennessee woman has been left paralyzed from the waist down after a catastrophic medication error occurred during a routine knee replacement surgery. Glenda Dorton was administered potassium chloride, a drug that has been used in lethal injection protocols, instead of the standard pain medication for a spinal epidural procedure at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville on August 14.
Dorton's family claims the error occurred when "contaminated vials" from the hospital pharmacy were used. Her surgery was successful, but the incorrect medication resulted in a spinal injury and subsequent paralysis. She is currently being treated at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, a facility specializing in care for patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.
Dorton's daughter-in-law, Kristina, stated that the hospital pharmacy made the error, switching the epidural anesthetic for potassium. She described the incident as "practically unprecedented in medical history," with only two similar cases recorded previously, neither of which offered a clear path forward.
At least three other patients were affected by the medication mix-up. One other patient was also paralyzed, and a third was admitted to intensive care. The hospital president and CEO, Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, confirmed that the hospital self-reported the incident to state regulators and has launched an internal investigation. The hospital has identified the cause of the mix-up and implemented corrective safeguards.
"Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event," Dr. Jagasia said in a statement. "On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients."
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has reportedly begun investigating the incident after being alerted by the state Healthcare Facilities Commission.