Nashville knee surgery ends in paralysis after pharmacy mix-up

A routine knee replacement at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville left 72-year-old Glenda Dorton paralyzed from the mid‑back down after a pharmacy mix‑up delivered potassium instead of the spinal anesthetic. Four patients were affected, with three others reportedly treated with contaminated vials before surgeries were halted. Dorton required ventilation and spinal fluid drainage; doctors later identified T6 paralysis. The hospital self-reported the incident to state regulators and says it has implemented safeguards while an investigation continues, but it has not disclosed findings or the condition of the other patients.