Hip Surgery Compensation & Hip Surgery Negligence Claims.

Hip conditions are often misdiagnosed for various reasons, including:

• The condition being completely overlooked.
• Misinterpretation of symptoms, leading to an incorrect diagnosis, such as attributing pain to another part of the body.
• Partial diagnosis, where the full extent of the problem is missed.
• Inadequate screening, particularly in patients without obvious risk factors.

We frequently handle claims involving a delayed diagnosis and treatment of a broken hip, often following a fall. In these cases, a medical professional may mistakenly assume the injury is a soft tissue problem, failing to perform the necessary investigations. As a result, the patient may continue to mobilise with a broken hip, worsening the injury. This can lead to the need for a total hip replacement, whereas, with an accurate diagnosis at the outset, less invasive surgery involving pins and plates may have been sufficient.

Some patients may experience blood clots; changes in leg length; dislocations; fractures; infections; loosening of the implant; or nerve injuries, often resulting in ‘foot drop’. Additionally, metal-on-metal implants can cause metallosis in some individuals.

While some complications may be minor and manageable—such as correcting leg length discrepancies with a shoe raise or treating minor infections with medication—others can have severe impacts. A failed hip surgery can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, hindering mobility and causing ongoing pain, contrary to the expected improvements that hip replacement surgery can bring.

There are a number of ways in which medical negligence can occur during general hip surgery and hip replacement surgery. Some common examples include:

• Being awake during surgery: Inadequate anaesthesia can leave you unable to move or speak while suffering pain.
• Wrong size implant: Surgeons may sometimes choose an unsuitable implant size, which can cause post-surgery complications.
• Broken bones during surgery: The thigh bone can break while inserting the implant stem, either non-negligently or due to a lack of reasonable care by the surgeon.
• Incorrectly placed implant: An improperly placed implant can irritate nearby structures, potentially leading to conditions such as iliopsoas tendonitis.
• Damaged nerves: Nerve injuries can result from improper placement of surgical instruments, excessive traction, or direct trauma from surgical tools.
• Improper preoperative assessment: If the surgical team fails to carry out the necessary assessments, they can miss potential risk factors for complications.
• Improper aftercare: Failure to care for a patient properly after surgery can lead to the signs of infection and complications being missed and, therefore, untreated.

This list is not exhaustive, and if you have experienced any kind of negligent treatment before, during, or after your hip surgery, which has caused you to suffer undue pain and complications, please get in touch with us to discuss the validity of your claim.

Risk factors for hip surgery complications include advanced age, obesity, and a medical history involving previous hip surgeries or chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis. Smoking and poor nutrition can impair healing and increase infection risks, while certain medications such as steroids or immunosuppressants can affect bone healing. Patients with a history of infections or compromised immune systems are also at higher risk.

High activity levels can lead to dislocations or implant loosening, and allergic reactions to implant materials can cause complications. Overall health and fitness also significantly impact recovery, and inadequate postoperative care can lead to infections, blood clots, and poor healing. Understanding these factors helps to prepare for hip surgery and mitigate the potential risks.

During hip surgery, various issues can arise, often leading to compensation claims. Before filing a claim, it is important to consider some key questions:

1. Were the risks properly communicated? You should have been informed about the risks associated with your surgery, especially if you have multiple existing risk factors. Combining multiple risk factors increases the likelihood of serious infections and blood clots developing, and patients with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage during surgery.
2. Were adequate preoperative checks performed? Proper preoperative assessments are crucial, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. This may include consultations with specialists, such as cardiologists or haematologists, to ensure it is safe to proceed with surgery and to manage any medication or bleeding risks.

Ensuring these factors are addressed can help to evaluate whether proper care was provided and whether you have grounds for a claim.

The time needed to walk normally after hip surgery varies based on surgery type, overall health, and rehabilitation commitment. For total hip replacement, patients typically start walking with assistance within a day or two, and many can walk independently and resume daily activities within six to 12 weeks, with full gait normalisation potentially taking up to six months.

Hip resurfacing often leads to quicker recovery, with some patients walking independently within weeks, though full recovery may still take several months. Recovery speed also depends on the pre-surgery health and physical condition of the patient, with those in better health or more active generally recovering faster. Adhering to physiotherapy and effective pain management is crucial, and regular follow-ups help to monitor progress. While noticeable improvement usually occurs within six weeks, achieving a fully normal gait can take several months, and recovery times can vary, so it’s important to follow the surgeon’s advice and manage expectations.

Preventing hip surgery negligence requires several key strategies to enhance patient safety and outcomes. Comprehensive preoperative assessments should address risk factors like medical conditions, obesity, smoking, and diabetes while ensuring patients are well-informed about surgery risks and necessary lifestyle changes and chronic conditions are well-managed.

A skilled surgical team with up-to-date training is crucial, alongside precise surgical techniques for implant selection and placement. Infection control measures include maintaining a sterile environment and administering antibiotics. Effective postoperative care requires vigilant monitoring, regular follow-ups, and clear patient education. Ensuring comprehensive communication and obtaining informed consent is vital, as is the use of surgical checklists and in some cases advanced robotic technology. These measures collectively help reduce the risk of negligence and improve surgical outcomes.

If a patient encounters errors or complications with their hip replacement surgery, they should first seek immediate medical attention by contacting their surgeon and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to document all symptoms, treatments and communications, as well as to gather medical records.

Consulting a specialist for a second opinion and discussing corrective surgery options is crucial. The patient should also consider legal advice if negligence is suspected, including evaluating potential compensation claims. Reporting the issue to the hospital’s patient relations department and seeking emotional support or counselling are also important steps. Taking these actions can help address complications and explore potential legal remedies.

To determine if you have been a victim of hip surgery negligence, start by asking yourself these basic questions:

• Has your condition improved or deteriorated since the surgery?
• Have you experienced any unusual symptoms or complications, such as persistent pain, infections or issues with the implant?
• Were you fully informed about the risks and expected outcomes of the surgery?
• Did you receive adequate preoperative evaluations and postoperative care?

If you have concerns about the care you received, it is important to gather as much information as possible; this includes detailed records of your symptoms, treatments and communications with healthcare providers. Consulting with an experienced medical negligence lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine your next steps.