Knee Surgery Negligence Compensation Claims.

Knee surgery, whilst generally safe, carries potential risks and complications, many are recognised risks and complications that can be unrelated to substandard care, however, complications can include:

• Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur at the incision site or deeper within the joint. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in the legs after knee surgery, potentially leading to more serious conditions like pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
• Nerve damage: Surgical procedures can inadvertently damage nerves around the knee, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
• Persistent pain: Some patients may experience ongoing pain after surgery, which could be due to various factors, including improper healing or underlying issues not addressed by the surgery.
• Stiffness: Post-surgical stiffness can limit the range of motion in the knee, making it difficult to bend or straighten the joint fully.
• Implant problems: For surgeries involving knee implants (e.g., knee replacement), issues such as implant loosening, wear, or misalignment can occur, potentially necessitating further surgery.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to complications, requiring additional medical interventions.
• Anaesthesia complications: Reactions to anaesthesia, though rare, can occur, ranging from minor side effects to more severe issues like respiratory problems.
• Scarring: Excessive scar tissue formation can interfere with the knee’s function and may require further treatment.
• Failure to relieve symptoms: In some cases, surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms it was intended to treat, leading to continued pain or mobility issues.
• Allergic reactions: Some patients may have allergic reactions to materials used in implants or other surgical materials.
• Joint instability: The knee may feel unstable or give way if the ligaments or other structures are not properly repaired or if muscle strength is insufficient.

A comprehensive preoperative assessment is essential to identify and mitigate risk factors before knee surgery. Strict adherence to sterile techniques during the procedure is crucial to reduce the risk of infection. Postoperative care should be diligently followed, including adhering to physical therapy and medication regimens. Regular monitoring for signs of complications, such as infection or blood clots, is necessary to ensure early intervention if needed.

Generally, the risk of complications from knee surgery is around 3%. However, if you have multiple risk factors, the complication rate can increase to approximately 20%. Factors that make knee replacement operations riskier include older age, as the body’s healing ability declines with age, and being overweight or obese, which puts additional stress on the knee joint. Diabetes can impede healing and increase infection risk, while taking immunosuppressant medication can weaken the immune system, making infections more likely. Smoking negatively affects blood flow and healing, and drug abuse can compromise overall health and recovery. Repeat knee surgery or any previous knee surgeries can complicate the procedure due to scar tissue and altered anatomy.

Various issues can arise during knee surgery, but not all constitute clinical negligence. Most medicolegal issues involve delays in diagnosing pain or infection. To assess a potential claim, patients should ensure they were properly advised about surgery risks, particularly if they have combined risk factors like obesity or smoking, which increase complications. Infections affecting implants may require additional surgeries, prolonging recovery. Multiple risk factors also raise the risk of blood clots, which can have severe or life-threatening consequences. Diabetic patients face added risks, such as nerve damage, but these can be reduced through lifestyle changes and better medical management before surgery. Proper preoperative checks are essential, especially for patients with pre-existing conditions, to minimise surgical risks and improve outcomes.

There are several examples where surgeons may face knee surgery claims. This list is not exhaustive, so please consult us if you believe something else occurred during your surgery and you have suffered unduly.

• Anaesthesia issues: Negligence occurs if a patient is conscious and/or in pain during surgery due to insufficient anaesthesia.
• Implant issues: Using an incorrect implant size, a wrong-sided implant, or incorrectly placing the knee implant can cause tissue irritation, pain, and increased patella pressure, often necessitating revision surgery.
• Fractures during surgery: Fractures in the femur, tibia, and patella can result from surgical negligence, such as mishandling an artificial tibial plate. However, fractures may also be unavoidable due to poor bone quality, particularly in older patients.
• Damaged nerves: Nerve damage is a known risk of knee surgery, potentially leading to conditions like foot drop.
• Post-surgical infection: Infections may occur post-surgery due to improper suturing of the wound, insufficient administration of antibiotics, or inadequate hygiene practices.

Around 20% of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery report dissatisfaction with their experience. This is primarily due to ongoing pain and limited mobility, which often results in increased reliance on family members and the onset of anxiety and depression. If they were, the patient might not have needed the surgery, and alternative treatments should have been explored. In the UK, patients who have had joint replacement surgery can voluntarily join the National Joint Registry. This registry helps monitor any future complications and includes a patient feedback survey.

To determine if you have been a victim of knee surgery negligence, start by identifying common signs such as persistent pain, infection, improper healing, implant issues, or nerve damage. Review your medical records, including surgical notes, X-rays, and follow-up records, to spot any deviations from standard procedures or delays in treatment. Compare your case against standard practices, ensuring you underwent necessary pre-surgical assessments and were properly informed about the surgery’s risks. Seek a second opinion from another orthopaedic surgeon and consult a medical expert for a thorough review. Finally, engage a medical negligence solicitor to evaluate your case and gather evidence. Utilise resources like the National Joint Registry and patient feedback surveys to support your claims.