At a glance: This article takes a look at some of the different types of knee replacement negligence, along with common claims made and the steps a patient often takes to establish if their pain and discomfort has been caused by negligence.* Negligent knee replacement surgery can change a person’s life and that of their family. If you or a member of your family have had a knee replacement and are suffering from pain or discomfort, or you have had revision surgery, it is important to get legal advice from specialist solicitors who understand the unique nature of knee replacement claims.
A successful knee replacement has a life span of about 20 years and 90% of patients have a successful recovery.
However, the surgery is complicated and carries with it inherent risks and potential for long term complications.
The nature of the operation involves replacing the end of the upper thigh bone with a metal cap, replacing the end of the lower leg bone with a plastic piece and a metal stem, and possibly removing or replacing the posterior cruciate ligament on the sides of the knee joint.
The most commons cases we see regarding knee replacement negligence arise in these four main types of surgery:-
- Total knee replacement
- Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
- Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty); and
- Complex or revision knee replacement.
The cases we have proceeded with on behalf of our clients occur in two scenarios:-
- Defective Knee Replacement device. This is where the prothesis used during the surgery turns out to be defective and the manufacturer of the product is responsible for the continued pain and suffering of patient.
- Orthopaedic Surgeons Negligence. The standard in which the surgeon carried out the surgery was below the accepted standard of care in their field of expertise.
The most common complaints post-surgery are:-
- Stiffness in the joint
- Chronic pain in the joint
- Pulmonary embolism
- Wound infection
- Nerve and other tissue damage
- Bone fracture; and
- Dislocation.
When a patient considers proceeding with a case they often instruct specialist solicitors to:-
- Take up copies of medical records in order to fully investigate the surgical procedure and how it was performed
- Consult their panel of medical experts to help the patient determine whether there was any negligence involved
- If negligence is identified patients often proceed with a medical negligence claim.
If you or a member of your family have had a knee replacement and are suffering from pain or discomfort, or you have had revision surgery, it is important to get legal advice from specialist solicitors who understand the unique nature of knee replacement claims.
We have over 50 years expert legal experience advising such patients.
