Compensation for Severe Infection after Hip replacement
Undergoing a total hip replacement is a significant event. For most people, it is the result of months of pain and disability and it is invested with hope of a more healthy and mobile future. Developing an infection following hip replacement surgery can, instead, cause long-term and devastating problems.
Infection in the hip replacement
A hip replacement is a major surgical operation which involves the removal of all or part of the existing joint, thus exposing the patient's deep tissue to the air and to infection.
Bacteria in the environment or already present on the body of the patient can gain access to the patient's internal tissue and prompt an infection.
Treating a hip replacement infection
Early diagnosis
The key to a successful response to an infection in a hip replacement site is a prompt diagnosis. The longer diagnosis is delayed, the greater the impact of the infection on the patient is likely to be.
If the infection is spotted at an early stage, the patient may recover quickly with the aid of antibiotics and there is no further threat to the integrity of their new joint or, indeed, their long-term health.
Delayed diagnosis
If diagnosis is delayed, however, the measures necessary to resolve the infection can be severe.
A deep infection in a hip replacement site may well require that the new joint has to be removed. This may be the only way to ensure that the site and the joint are completely free from infection.
This will leave the patient without either their old or their new joint. It is most likely that another replacement joint cannot be fitted until all signs of infection are removed, requiring a course of antibiotic treatment and wash out of the site.
Therefore, a severe infection is likely to involve the patient in at least two further significant surgical procedures and all the attendant risks.
Any plans that the patient may have had will have to go on hold whilst their infection is resolved and their second new joint is in place.
This can impact on virtually every aspect of daily life, including limiting or completely preventing the patient's capacity to work.
Sepsis
Additionally, an infection following surgery always carries the risk that it will develop into sepsis. If the patient's immune system, which will be under considerable stress at this time, fails to respond appropriately to infection, it may result in sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening physical response to infection which can cause multiple-organ failure. It requires prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment in order to minimise the impact on the patient and increase their chance of survival.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals may be considered to have been negligent in their management of a patient undergoing a hip replacement if they either fail to undertake measures which might have prevented the infection, or they fail to diagnose clear symptoms of an infection following surgery.
Prevention
- Factors affecting the hygiene and suitability of the surgical environment may increase the likelihood that the patient will develop an infection following surgery
- Certain patients are more susceptible to infection such as the elderly, those with diabetes and those with a weakened immune system, and they require particular caution and heightened preparedness prior to their operation
- It may be necessary to administer prophylactic antibiotics prior to the surgery to prevent infection developing
- A failure to implement sufficient measures to try to prevent infection may be regarded as substandard care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Spotting an infection
A patient who is developing an infection following hip replacement surgery is likely to be exhibiting the following symptoms:
- Pain and redness at the site of the surgery
- A high temperature or chills
- Pus coming from the surgery site
A failure to respond appropriately and promptly to infection symptoms, leaving the patient to deteriorate may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one have suffered significant problems due to a severe infection after hip replacement surgery, it may be that you have been the victim of medical negligence.
Contact Glynns if you believe this to be the case. We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our experienced solicitors will be very happy to advise you.
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