Pryers Solicitors’ specialist hip replacement team were instructed by Peter to investigate why his hip replacement failed after only two years. They managed to obtain hip compensation in a claim against a Spanish surgeon.
Peter’s Claim
Although Peter is British, he underwent his surgery in Spain. The hip was fine for a short period, but after his return to Britain, Peter developed severe pain in the hip.
At the operation to remove the components, it was found that the polyethylene liner of the socket had fallen out, causing the ceramic ball to rub against the rough titanium cup. Eventually, the ball bored a hole right through the cup. The metal debris caused a reaction in the tissues, which led to extensive muscle damage. As a result of this, Peter was left with a severely unstable hip, and sustained over 15 dislocations over the following three years.
Pryers had the hip components examined by a forensic engineer to determine whether the device itself was faulty. No particular problem was found but it was discovered that the Italian manufacturer had encountered this particular problem, known as liner dissociation, only twice in over 100,000 similar devices sold. The same Spanish surgeon was involved in both cases.
Pryers brought a medical negligence claim against the Spanish surgeon, alleging that he had failed to assemble the components correctly during the surgery; that if assembled properly, liner dissociation does not occur.
The surgeon’s lawyers did not accept liability but an offer of compensation was made and the case was settled.
Specialist Hip Replacement Team
Pryers Solicitors has a specialist hip replacement team dealing claims involving faulty implants, poor component positioning, negligent warning of risks, mismanagement of infection, leg length discrepancy, nerve injuries and many other complications of hip replacement and resurfacing. If you are thinking about making a claim, contact Pryers, to see if they can help you on a no win no fee basis.
