Court Affirms Aggravation Finding, Need for Surgery

The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a compensable injury aggravated a worker’s preexisting ankle condition, which resulted in her need for surgery. Case: North Arkansas College v. Sparks, No. CV-25-580, 08/19/2026, published. Facts: Terri Sparks worked for North Arkansas College as a test proctor. She tripped and fell at work in January 2022, injuring her ankle. In February 2022, Sparks went to Ozark Orthopedic. The notes from that visit state that Sparks had a right ankle sprain from the fall as well as a preexisting ankle injury that underwent arthroscopic debr...