Hip Replacement Medical Negligence Claim
If you suffered a dislocated hip after undergoing a hip replacement, you will want to know why this happened and whether medical error is to blame.
To talk to a solicitor about your experience, please get in touch with us today. We will advise whether or not you have grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
Dislocation after hip replacement
It is not common for a hip to dislocate after a total hip replacement. There is a small risk and a patient should be advised of this before signing a consent form.
The risk is greater in the months after the operation when the tissues are still recovering. During this time the patient must be very careful not to put undue stress upon the joint. Strenuous activities must be put on hold, while certain movements must avoided until the hip has regained enough strength.
Is hip dislocation after hip replacement the surgeon's fault?
There are also things the surgeon must do during the procedure to prevent the hip from dislocating. Most importantly, the surgeon must stop at certain stages to ensure the implant fits the patient and is securely fastened.
One such test that must be performed is a fixation test, which will make sure that the cup will not move when subjected to forces the hip joint typically creates. This will prevent the patient from suffering a dislocation or loosening of the cup after the operation.
Another test is the stability test, which involves moving the leg around to check whether the joint is able to move in all directions safely.
Dislocated hip after hip replacement
If these tests are not performed, or are inadequately performed, the patient will be at risk of sustaining a hip dislocation. This can happen as soon as the patient is allowed to mobilise.
When a dislocation occurs, the patient may be conscious of the hip moving in and out of the socket, with a 'popping' sensation. The leg can rotate at an abnormal angle, and the patient may feel the need to hold the hip in place.
A dislocated hip can be identified with an x-ray. The patient will then need to have the hip put back into place. Sometimes this can be achieved by manipulating the joint, which avoids the need for surgery. But some will have to return to theatre for surgical revision. It is possible that this will fail, in which case radical revision surgery will be necessary.
Hip replacement medical negligence claim
If your hip replacement failed and you believe surgical error is to blame, you need to talk to a solicitor about pursuing a medical negligence compensation claim. Please get in touch with us for more information.
Contact us today
To find out more about making a medical negligence claim, please get in touch with our team today. We will advise whether or not you are eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. If so, we can help you get the financial redress 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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