Poor outcome following hip operation

Having suffered from arthritis for a number of years, Mr Millet was advised that he would need a hip replacement. His consultant informed him of an operation involving a new technique called a Birmingham arthroplasty which involved resurfacing rather than removing and replacing the head of the femur. Mr Millet agreed to undergo this procedure but afterwards he was considerably worse off and suffered from pain and limited movement.

We obtained a report from an independent orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed that he operation had not been properly performed and we therefore pursued a claim for Mr Millet for the continuing pain and suffering that he experienced.

Compensation: £16,500

Inadequate reconstruction of ligament

Mr Parker underwent reconstructive surgery to his anterior cruciate ligament but continued to have problems with his knee. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the ligament graft had been incorrectly positioned. Mr Parker had to have two further operations and was left with no kneecap and a very unstable knee joint.

We pursued a claim on Mr Parker’s behalf because of the failure to place the graft in the correct position.
 
Compensation: £290,000

Arterial/venous damage during knee replacement

Mr Collins suffered damage to a major artery and vein in his leg during knee replacement surgery and developed an arterio-venous fistula. He had to undergo emergency surgery to repair the damage but despite the corrective surgery, he was left with nerve damage causing a foot drop and substantial restriction in mobility.

We pursued a claim for Mr Collins because the damage to his artery and vein had been caused by inadequate technique during the original surgery.

Compensation: £80,000

Failure to reduce fractured femur      

Mr Davies underwent surgery to reduce a fracture to his femur and the bone was fixed with pins. He was given crutches and encouraged to mobilise after the procedure. However the fixation was unstable and Mr Davies had a further operation to reduce the fracture, remove the pins and insert screws instead. His hip became arthritic after the second operation and a total hip replacement became necessary.

We pursued a claim for Mr Davies because the initial operation had not been performed with due care, the fracture had not been reduced sufficiently and the pins had not been inserted as deeply as they should have been. Walking on the unstable fracture had caused his subsequent problems.

Compensation: £60,000

Failure to monitor anticoagulation

Having had knee bypass surgery, Mr Ryan developed a suspected blood clot and was treated with anti-coagulants. He soon became delirious, developed renal failure and was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he contracted MRSA. Mr Ryan required a further bypass procedure and amputation of part of his big toe.

We pursued a claim for Mr Ryan because the hospital had failed to adequately monitor Mr Ryan’s response to the anti-coagulants and adjust the dosage accordingly. There was also a failure to recognise the development of infection.

Compensation: £40,000

These are genuine case studies, although the names of our clients have been changed to protect their right to privacy and confidentiality.