Hip Dislocation After Hip Replacement
If your hip dislocated shortly after you underwent a hip replacement, have you been the victim of medical negligence?
It may be that your implant was inserted incorrectly or was the wrong size. If so, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation against those at fault.
Hip replacement surgery
During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon must determine the size of the implant required. Consideration must be given to the size of the patient's skeletal frame and the diameter of the acetabulum, which is the medical term for the hip socket.
It may be that the hip socket needs to be made slightly larger. The surgeon has a special tool called a reamer that is used for this purpose. It is almost like a cheese grater and removes any excess tissue, making space for the prosthesis.
Next the artificial hip cup must be positioned into the hip socket with the help of another tool called an introducer. The prosthesis must be put into a slightly forward-facing vertical position, after which it can be knocked into place with a surgical mallet.
Afterwards the surgeon must perform a fixation test, during which force is applied to the new hip cup to check whether or not it moves. This should mimic the force the hip will be placed under while walking. If there is any movement, it should be removed and repositioned, or replaced with a larger diameter cup.
If there is a good press fit, the femoral stem and the femoral head can be inserted. This completes the prosthesis, after which the whole thing can be put back into position in the joint.
Following this another test, called a stability test, is needed. The leg is moved around to ensure the hip rotates properly.
If all these steps are followed, the patient should enjoy a good outcome.
Dislocation after hip replacement
However, there are times when a patient will complain of their hip feeling unstable after the operation. There may be a popping sensation and a feeling that the hip is moving in and out of the socket.
If there are concerns about the hip being insecure, the patient should be sent for an x-ray. This will confirm whether or not the hip has dislocated.
If it has, the hip replacement will have failed and revision surgery will be needed. This can result in complications and a prolonged recovery process.
Does it amount to negligence?
If the hip dislocates but a long time has passed since the surgery, it is less likely that negligence is at play. But if the dislocation happens shortly after the operation, it is possible that medical error is to blame.
For instance, it may be that the surgeon did not perform the fixation and/or stability tests, or that the tests were inadequately performed. Or it may be that the wrong sized implant was used, the hip socket was put in at the wrong angle, or the replacement was cut too steep for someone with hip dysplasia.
It is important to note that there can also be non-negligent causes for a hip dislocation after hip replacement. These include morbid obesity, abnormal leg position while walking or a blood clot around the prosthesis.
Nevertheless, if the replacement fails soon after the procedure, it is very possible that the wrong implant has been used or the surgery has been done badly.
Claiming for failed hip replacement
If a hip replacement does fail because of medical negligence, the individual concerned will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. To find out if you are able to make a claim, you must speak to a solicitor who deals with medical negligence claims – also known as clinical negligence claims in England and Wales.
As mentioned above, some of the reasons why a hip replacement might lead to a successful compensation claim include:
- The wrong sized implant being used
- The wrong mix and match implants being used
- Hip socket put in at the wrong angle
- Hip dysplasia not being considered, causing the replacement to be cut to the wrong size and shape
- Fixation and stability tests not performed
- Fixation and stability tests performed inadequately
Claims can also arise due to nerve injuries sustained during the procedure, and deep vein thrombosis occurring after the procedure. However, neither of these are associated with hip dislocation.
Compensation for failed hip replacement
If you do make a claim and it is successful, you will be awarded compensation to reflect the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you have wrongfully endured. It is not possible to say how much you will get, as compensation settlements differ depending upon the facts of the case.
Nevertheless, failed hip replacements can be very painful and debilitating. The need for revision surgery will also prolong your recovery and create great inconvenience. Furthermore, the outcome may not be as good as if the surgery had been performed correctly in the first place. All of these things will be taken into consideration when your solicitor is negotiating your compensation settlement.
Additionally your financial loss will be included in your compensation. This includes everything you have lost as a result of your injuries, such as your past and future loss of earnings, the cost of care you now need, and the cost of rehabilitation treatment.
Hip replacement no win no fee claims
If you want to make a claim, you will want to know how you are going to fund your legal action. Most of our claims are run on a no win no fee basis. This is a popular funding method as it ensures you do not pay anything, should your claim be unsuccessful. There are also other funding methods available, including legal expenses insurance.
To find out more about claiming compensation for a failed hip replacement, please get in touch with our team at Glynns Solicitors. After an initial free enquiry we will be able to advise you whether or not you are eligible to pursue a claim. If so, we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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