Diathermy risks and complications: when can I make a medical negligence claim?

Published - 09/08/2023

Diathermy is a form of electrical therapy that uses high-frequency electrical currents to stimulate circulation around the body to destroy unhealthy tissues and relieve pain. It is a common procedure that is generally considered safe, but it is not without risks and complications.

In this guide, we'll explain what diathermy is, what the risks of undergoing diathermy are, and look at one of the most serious risks of diathermy: diathermy burns. We'll also explain how the concept of medical negligence relates to diathermy risks and answer common questions about diathermy complications.

What is diathermy?

Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment that uses electrically induced heat to treat different areas of the body. It is most commonly used as a treatment for inflammation and pain, but it also has a wide range of uses within many different areas of medicine. In some cases, diathermy may be used to treat cancers and other masses, while in surgery it may be used to cauterise blood vessels.

There are three different types of diathermies: ultrasound, short wave, and microwave diathermy. Broadly speaking, diathermy works using energy to heat up the skin and surrounding tissues and destroy them by reducing the temperature of the cells by up to 100 degrees Celsius. It is used in many different areas of medicine including surgery, dentistry, and physiotherapy.

What are the most common risks associated with diathermy?

While diathermy is generally safe, there are always risks involved. Some of the most common, serious risks associated with diathermy include:

• Infection, which occurs when a site of injury becomes infected with bacteria
• Burning, which can occur when too much heat is concentrated in one place
• Pain, which can be a natural result of the diathermy
• Permanent scarring caused by the diathermy process
• Nerve damage, which may result in a loss of feeling or function in a particular part of the body

Complications from diathermy can vary in severity, but in the worst cases, a skin graft or cosmetic surgery may be needed to repair the damage done.

Some conditions may increase your risk levels when undergoing diathermy, such as:

• Having a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
• Having a malignant tumour in the treatment area
• Having a fracture in the treatment area
• Being pregnant during treatment

If you have experienced any of the risks listed above, and you believe it was caused by a medical professional or surgical error, you can discuss your claim with an experienced medical negligence solicitor today.

What is a diathermy burn and how do they occur?

The most common complication that usually occurs with diathermy is diathermy burns. These can occur when the diathermy tool is left in the same place for too long without enough movement, which lets the heat build up to dangerous levels and can cause surface burning.

Diathermy burns can also occur due to a number of other factors, including faulty equipment, incorrect usage, and improper supervision of the patient. Other factors may increase a patient's risk of burns. If you have metal implants including pins and dental fillings, you may face a higher risk of burning during diathermy because the metal can overheat during the treatment.

When diathermy is performed correctly, the risk of diathermy burns should be minimal. However, particularly in patients who have metal implants, the risk of burns is always present and it's essential that doctors notify their patients of this risk before they undergo the procedure.

Incorrect usage and faulty equipment could result in a medical negligence claim. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

How can I tell that medical negligence has occurred?

You might be able to claim medical negligence if you were not accurately warned about the risks of a procedure in advance. If your doctor didn't explain everything involved in the procedure, and how it could affect your health, you were unable to give your informed consent to undergo the procedure.

Even if you were fully notified of the risks of diathermy burns and complications, there are other grounds on which you can claim medical negligence. For example, some diathermy burns are the result of compromised equipment, inefficient diathermy techniques, and unsuitable supervision.

Because diathermy burns are very rare when proper procedures are followed, it is often the case that burns are a result of medical negligence. Potential causes of diathermy burns that may count as grounds for a medical negligence claim include:

• Improper application of diathermy
• Not allowing alcohol solutions to dry properly before beginning the procedure
• Damaged caused upon removal of the self-adhesive drapes
• Equipment that isn't working as it should

If you experienced any of these issues during your procedure, it's important to contact legal experts who can help you to ascertain whether you could claim compensation for your injuries.

How can a clinical negligence solicitor help me?

If you have suffered injuries as a result of medical negligence, it's possible to claim compensation with the help of a clinical negligence solicitor. Your role in a clinical negligence claim is to build evidence to support your case, which you can do by looking through emails and other correspondence with your medical provider or hospital and writing down notes on your experience before, during, and after the incident. However, your solicitor can do this for you.

A clinical negligence solicitor can help you to build this evidence into a watertight case. Our solicitors are professionals with years of experience in medical negligence, so if you want to claim for medical negligence, your best chance of success is working with professional clinical negligence solicitors.

How Wake Smith can help

Wake Smith is a team of experienced solicitors who specialise in working on medical negligence claims and can guide you through the complaints procedure.

If you've suffered from complications from a surgical procedure, including burns as a result of diathermy or even misdiagnosis, you could make a compensation claim for your injury. If you want friendly, impartial legal advice on your situation, contact us today.

Common queries

Is diathermy dangerous?

Diathermy is generally considered safe when carried out by an experienced professional, but there are some risks associated with the procedure. Diathermy is considerably more dangerous for patients at risk of complications, particularly patients with metal implants.

How do you prevent diathermy burns?

If you're undergoing diathermy, make sure that your doctor is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure. Ask them about their track record with diathermy procedures, and how often complications including diathermy burns have occurred to their past patients. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during the procedure, let your doctor know immediately.

Can diathermy electrocute you?

Diathermy does not usually carry a risk of electrocution, but patients with implantable electric devices such as pacemakers and spinal cord stimulators may face additional complications if their device is damaged, or there is inappropriate firing of a pacemaker or defibrillator, by the electric current during diathermy. The potential risks, and ways to mitigate these risks, should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before undergoing diathermy.

Related content

Dental surgery negligence: When can I make a claim?

Hip replacement surgery negligence: When can I make a claim?

Bowel surgery negligence: When can I make a claim?