Hip operation gone wrong
Discussion
Ive had to have an early hip replacement due to an earlier accident and 6 year recovery (broken femur) putting extra strain on the opposite hip.
Surgeon was fully aware of history and the pinned opposite leg being slightly shorter..
Post op it turns out he has made the leg 30mm longer than the opposing (pinned) femur, full length xrays with measurements done independently and pelvic tilt allowed for (due to previous injury)
He fails to acknowledge the information on independent and has insisted on seeing us to discuss but is basically saying he has constructed the new joint and femur to be anatomically correct to original before the collapse of the joint due to osteoarthritis.
It is obvious to our doctor and by measurement that he has f
ked up and hes basically trying to weasel out of it saying its all due to pelvic tilt (its not and 30mm isnt even possible without a very twisted spine, which its not) but i think legally we have to give him the chance to review before we take things further and at least see things in person and do his own
Because we were paying cash we were able to chose the top surgeon in the uk for this operation and lots of research was done to try and negate any outcome like this so to say we’re peeved is an understatement and we will take any action necessary to get the right result
So..
We’re meeting on monday next week and im wandering if there is a need for an independent professional body to be pressent to record everything that goes on as we dont trust this surgeon at all now and hes certainly not showing any signs of rectifying his mistake.
Weve never faced a situation like this before so we want to be sure we tackle it in the right way right from the start, so any advice would be appreciated.
Surgeon was fully aware of history and the pinned opposite leg being slightly shorter..
Post op it turns out he has made the leg 30mm longer than the opposing (pinned) femur, full length xrays with measurements done independently and pelvic tilt allowed for (due to previous injury)
He fails to acknowledge the information on independent and has insisted on seeing us to discuss but is basically saying he has constructed the new joint and femur to be anatomically correct to original before the collapse of the joint due to osteoarthritis.
It is obvious to our doctor and by measurement that he has f
ked up and hes basically trying to weasel out of it saying its all due to pelvic tilt (its not and 30mm isnt even possible without a very twisted spine, which its not) but i think legally we have to give him the chance to review before we take things further and at least see things in person and do his own Because we were paying cash we were able to chose the top surgeon in the uk for this operation and lots of research was done to try and negate any outcome like this so to say we’re peeved is an understatement and we will take any action necessary to get the right result
So..
We’re meeting on monday next week and im wandering if there is a need for an independent professional body to be pressent to record everything that goes on as we dont trust this surgeon at all now and hes certainly not showing any signs of rectifying his mistake.
Weve never faced a situation like this before so we want to be sure we tackle it in the right way right from the start, so any advice would be appreciated.
I can't help much with the legal aspect of this, although last year I underwent a further two operations to rectify a botched circumcision and I looked into pursuing a medical negligence claim. I received some free initial advice from a specialist solicitor, and to pursue it would have required a fairly significant up front cost to obtain independent medical reports; unfortunately I didn't have home/car etc. legal cover, which he said may well have covered the expense of these reports. The last operation rectified my issue, and whilst I went through six months of unnecessary pain, I decided to let it go as I never wanted to think about it again. If you have cover (even if you don't) I would certainly explore getting some initial advice prior to meeting the consultant again.
The leg length discrepancy you have is an issue and it really needs to be dealt with. When I was three I suffered from a fairly rare condition called Perthes disease which effects the hip joint. I spent six weeks in hospital in traction and was lucky in that it healed well, although I have a leg length discrepancy of 27mm, and without intervention this creates a lot of pressure on your lower back. If I don't wear a built up shoe I suffer from really bad back pain.
The leg length discrepancy you have is an issue and it really needs to be dealt with. When I was three I suffered from a fairly rare condition called Perthes disease which effects the hip joint. I spent six weeks in hospital in traction and was lucky in that it healed well, although I have a leg length discrepancy of 27mm, and without intervention this creates a lot of pressure on your lower back. If I don't wear a built up shoe I suffer from really bad back pain.
tim0409 said:
I can't help much with the legal aspect of this, although last year I underwent a further two operations to rectify a botched circumcision and I looked into pursuing a medical negligence claim. I received some free initial advice from a specialist solicitor, and to pursue it would have required a fairly significant up front cost to obtain independent medical reports; unfortunately I didn't have home/car etc. legal cover, which he said may well have covered the expense of these reports. The last operation rectified my issue, and whilst I went through six months of unnecessary pain, I decided to let it go as I never wanted to think about it again. If you have cover (even if you don't) I would certainly explore getting some initial advice prior to meeting the consultant again.
The leg length discrepancy you have is an issue and it really needs to be dealt with. When I was three I suffered from a fairly rare condition called Perthes disease which effects the hip joint. I spent six weeks in hospital in traction and was lucky in that it healed well, although I have a leg length discrepancy of 27mm, and without intervention this creates a lot of pressure on your lower back. If I don't wear a built up shoe I suffer from really bad back pain.
This'll bring us all out The leg length discrepancy you have is an issue and it really needs to be dealt with. When I was three I suffered from a fairly rare condition called Perthes disease which effects the hip joint. I spent six weeks in hospital in traction and was lucky in that it healed well, although I have a leg length discrepancy of 27mm, and without intervention this creates a lot of pressure on your lower back. If I don't wear a built up shoe I suffer from really bad back pain.
I lost 2" out of one leg in a motorbike about thirty five years ago, it does put pressure on your back and hips but I've exercised regularly since the accident and I don't suffer unduly with back problems as long as I'm sensible.I wear a small heel raise in one shoe which definitely makes things more comfortable.
I had a very good physio who taught me how to hold my spine in place with my obliques when I'm walking, I think she saved me an awful lot of aggro.
TL;DR it's not brilliant having odd length legs but it's not the end of the world.
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