A high number of children who had hip dysplasia surgery are to be medically reviewed after an audit found surgeons in two hospitals were carrying out a high number of unnecessary operations.
The audit was conducted by Simon Thomas, a UK paediatric consultant orthopaedic surgeon. It found significant differences in the criteria used for children’s procedures at Temple Street Hospital and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh (NOHC) , compared to Crumlin Hospital.
The Audit made the following findings
- At Crumlin Children’s Hospital, 98% of surgeries were appropriate.
- At Temple Street, only 40% met the standard criteria.
- At Cappagh, just 21% were deemed necessary.
All three hospitals fall under the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) umbrella. CHI have now confirmed that it has sent letters to 2,259 families of children who received hip surgery over a 15-year period.
Duty of Care
Every healthcare professional owes a duty of care to their patients. If you or a family member has suffered an injury while receiving medical care or undergone unnecessary surgery, this may be considered medical negligence.
We specialise in handling hip-related claims, including congenital hip dysplasia claims compensation and hip dysplasia misdiagnosis cases.
What is hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common issue that affects babies’ hip joints. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a congenital condition (present at birth). The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. In cases of DDH, the hip socket may be:
- Shallow.
- Slipping in and out of the socket as he/she moves.
- Completely dislocated.
This can affect one or both hips. If left untreated, it can cause a limp and osteoarthritis.
Children with mild DDH are usually treated with a Pavlik Harness or hip abductor brace. The brace /harness holds the femur (thigh bone) in the correct position. Over time, the hip socket develops, which will prevent the joint from dislocating.
Children with more severe forms of DDH may need surgery in the form of a hip reduction surgery or a pelvic osteotomy.
This report has now concluded that some surgeons have been performing significant numbers of pelvic osteotomies for children that are not indicated.
What is a pelvic osteotomy?
A pelvic osteotomy is a type of hip surgery often used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), It is a serious, invasive procedure usually done only when other treatments, like braces or casting don’t work. Due to the risks involved, this surgery should only be done when absolutely necessary and based on specific clinical and imaging criteria.
Hip surgery in young children is not a minor procedure. It involves cutting and realigning bones, and the long-term outcomes are not always predictable.
Hip Litigation
At Lynch Solicitors, we have specialist expertise with respect to Hip Litigation. We have been involved in the DePuy Hip litigation since the product was first recalled in this country in 2010.
We can:
- Request and review your child’s medical records
- Consult independent orthopaedic experts
- Determine whether the surgery was appropriate
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
If it turns out the surgery shouldn’t have been performed or if it caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation. This could include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Costs for follow-up treatment
- Impact on quality of life or future earnings
For further advice, please contact gilliano@lynchsolicitors.ie or reception@lynchsolicitors.ie or telephone 052-6124344
