£85,000 Settlement
GC had developmental dysplasia of the hips and had a left hip resurfacing operation in March 2003.
From 2004 she complained of a clunking and grating sensation in her left hip and discomfort on extension and by 2009 she was suffering from discomfort across her lower back and gluteal region.
In 2010, when bending forwards, she experienced a sudden onset of very severe pain. She went to A&E and was diagnosed as having an undisplaced insufficiency fracture of her left acetabulum. She also had raised levels of cobalt and chromium ions in her blood, suggestive of an excessively worn metal bearing.
She underwent revision surgery in October 2010. The Surgeon found gross metal debris. Histopathological examination confirmed ALVAL.
Her case was that it was negligent to have performed a resurfacing using standard Birmingham components, on account of her dysplasia, and the cup of the resurfacing was positioned unacceptably steeply (which causes them to wear out quickly).
Unfortunately this lady faces future re-revision surgeries and has been unable to continue her work as a personal trainer. She has suffered with depression and a loss of confidence as a result
If the cup had been positioned properly, she would have required revision surgery 20 years later, aged 62 years. This would then have lasted the remainder of her life.
Her resurfacing was in fact revised after only 7 years. This revision is likely to last 20 years, until aged 69 years and GC will require an additional operation at age 79 years.
The case settled for £85,000 which GC was extremely happy with.
