15.10.2025 12:48
Aytaç Öztürk, a 40-year-old man who went to the hospital in Zonguldak with complaints of abdominal pain, claimed that after receiving a painkiller injection, he experienced severe pain in his leg and was diagnosed with "drop foot syndrome." After becoming unable to walk, he returned to the hospital and, following a 23-day treatment, was discharged and subsequently filed a criminal complaint.
Aytaç Öztürk (40), who works at a local newspaper in Zonguldak, applied to the Atatürk State Hospital Emergency Service on August 27 with complaints of abdominal pain. Öztürk was discharged after receiving a painkiller injection in his left hip.
HE BECAME INCAPABLE OF WALKING AFTER THE INJECTION
After a while, Aytaç Öztürk felt pain in his left leg, and when the pain became unbearable, he was taken by ambulance to Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Hospital on August 31. Öztürk, who could not walk, had his swollen leg put in a cast.
DIAGNOSED WITH "FOOT DROP SYNDROME"
Öztürk, who was treated for 23 days in the Neurosurgery Department of BEUN Hospital with a diagnosis of "foot drop syndrome," was discharged. Öztürk, who was given a report of incapacity to work until October 24, went to the prosecutor's office to file a complaint.
"NO BLOOD TEST WAS DONE AND NO X-RAY WAS TAKEN"
Stating that he was discharged from the hospital but that the treatment process was still ongoing and that he filed a complaint to identify those responsible, Aytaç Öztürk said, "On the evening of August 28, I applied to Atatürk State Hospital with complaints of abdominal pain. There, I was given a painkiller injection. However, no blood tests or X-rays were done in any way. They just touched my abdomen, and the doctor said, 'there is gas pain' and referred me for the injection."
"SWELLING STARTED IN MY LEG 2 DAYS LATER"
Öztürk said, "Two days after the injection, swelling started in my leg, a swelling. It was a pain coming from my hip. I became unable to put weight on my leg. Naturally, I was rushed by ambulance from home to Bülent Ecevit University Hospital. I stayed in the hospital for 23 days and I am currently unable to work. I am on sick leave until October 24. A report was issued from there. Of course, this actually reveals the consequences of the incorrectly administered injection. I came to the public prosecutor's office and filed a complaint," he stated.
“WILL IT BE PERMANENT OR NOT, TIME WILL TELL”
Öztürk stated, "As a result of the wrong injection, it was noted as 'foot drop' in the report. It turns out that many people can experience 'foot drop' after the injection. Whether mine will be permanent or not will be determined over time. Right now, I am walking with a limp, using a cane," he said.
The Provincial Health Directorate has initiated an investigation regarding the matter. An investigator has been assigned to carry out the investigation. Officials stated that necessary actions would be taken based on the results of the investigation.
WHAT IS "FOOT DROP SYNDROME"?
Foot drop syndrome is a condition resulting from damage to the muscles or nerves, leading to the loss of the ability to dorsiflex (lift the foot upward) and evert (turn outward) the foot. A person with foot drop has to drag their foot on the ground while walking because they cannot lift it.