Hip replacements have tripled in number in the U.S. from just 20 years ago. With 450,000 hip replacement surgeries carried out in 2020, the number of people affected by medical malpractice is higher than ever.
Many Pennsylvania patients undergo hip replacement surgery hoping to regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to daily life. But when preventable medical errors occur, that same procedure can leave patients in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania dealing with even more pain, instability, and uncertainty.
Hip replacements are normally considered safe and effective surgeries. But when they go wrong because a doctor, hospital, or surgical team failed to meet the proper standard of care, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Thistle Law today to discuss your case.
What Causes Leg Length Discrepancies After Hip Replacement in Pennsylvania Patients?
A leg length discrepancy is typically diagnosed when the legs have a noticeable difference in length, often around one inch or more.
If one of your legs ends up longer than the other after hip replacement surgery, the cause may be tied to surgical error. For Pennsylvania patients, this often raises serious questions about whether the procedure was performed with proper care and planning. Two of the most common causes are:
- An incorrectly sized hip replacement implant
- Improper positioning or angling of the prosthetic implant
Common Signs and Long-Term Complications for Pennsylvania Hip Replacement Patients
Discovering a leg length discrepancy after hip replacement surgery can be disorienting and frustrating. It is also one of the more common avoidable complications associated with the procedure.
In many cases, the operated leg ends up longer than the other. If the problem is not properly addressed, Pennsylvania patients may face chronic pain, mobility issues, and the possibility of future corrective treatment. Complications may include:
- Arthritis
- Knee problems
- Need for additional surgeries in the future
- Permanent limp
- Pressure on the back
- Scoliosis
- Severe pain
- Vaulting, uneven walk
Treatment Options for Leg Length Discrepancies After Hip Surgery in Pennsylvania
Compounding the damage of a botched surgery are the half measures that doctors, hospitals, and insurers may sometimes push onto injured patients.
Shoe lifts may help in minor cases, but they are not always a true solution. In some situations, they can be presented as a way to avoid the cost and complexity of a more involved correction. For Pennsylvania patients dealing with significant pain or mobility problems, a more complete medical evaluation may be necessary.
Hip revision surgery is another option. Although this surgery is expensive and may result in additional complications, ignoring the problem can lead to walking difficulties, hip pain, and knee pain. An unbalanced gait caused by an uncorrected leg length discrepancy can also place pressure on nerves in the lumbar spine, potentially leading to low back pain and leg pain.
How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Hip Replacement Errors in Pennsylvania
There are several preventable reasons medical malpractice may occur during hip replacement surgery. In Pennsylvania hospitals and surgical centers, these errors can happen when healthcare providers fail to follow accepted standards of care.
- Fatigue: Our healthcare system is often overburdened, and provider fatigue can have devastating consequences for patients.
- Inadequate training: Sometimes healthcare professionals are placed in situations they are not adequately prepared to handle.
- Intoxication: Some healthcare workers struggle with substance abuse, and that impairment can affect patient safety.
- Neglect: Many medical errors are the result of neglect, including failures in pre-op planning and a lack of adherence to the proper standard of care.
- Poor communication between doctors and departments: Breakdowns in communication often lead to serious and avoidable mistakes.
When Pennsylvania Patients Should Speak With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Most medical errors are avoidable. When malpractice occurs during hip replacement surgery, it can affect a person’s long-term health, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one in Pennsylvania suffered harm after a hip replacement procedure, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can evaluate whether the facts may support a medical malpractice claim, review the care you received, and help you understand your legal options under Pennsylvania law.
To schedule a free consultation, fill out our form or call Thistle Law directly.