Leg-Length Discrepancy After Hip Replacement

Over the course of a few decades, hip replacement surgery has gone from science fiction to everyday fact. From 2000-2010, the rate of total hip replacements in the U.S.A. had more than doubled — reaching over 310,000 procedures annually, up from around 140,000. For every 100,000 Americans, over 250 had this procedure — and that was 10 years ago.

As of 2020, the number of hip replacements now is over 450,000 per year. That amounts to over 1200 surgeries a day. Hip replacements normally go right. When they do not, you deserve more than an orthopedic shoe to even out your walk.

Hip Replacement Surgery is Considered A Routine Procedure

You have probably heard this before: Hip replacement is a common, almost routine surgery. There are ample resources on how to perform it without risk to life or limb. Beyond that, orthopedic surgeons should have the practice, technique, and alertness to install prostheses without any major complications. The bottom line: They should know how to prevent injuries.

If you had any type of hip-replacement complication, your healthcare provider might start by denying wrongdoing. Here are some common types of statements:

• “This is a known risk with this type of surgery.”
• “The surgeon did as good of a job as possible under the circumstances.”
• “Nobody could have avoided this outcome.”

Doctors and hospitals do not have to protect your legal rights and personal interests. In fact, they might be acting on policy rather than on medical facts, trying to guard their institutions or careers against lawsuits.

Leg-Length Discrepancies After Hip Replacement Surgery

One of the most common avoidable complications after a hip replacement surgery is leg-length discrepancy. Typically, the result is that the leg operated on ends up longer. Leg length inequality could lead to problems, both immediate and chronic:

• Vaulting, uneven walk
• Permanent limp
• Scoliosis

Hospitals might pressure you to sign for an incomplete solution. The reason: The surgery to fix a hip replacement is riskier and more complicated than the surgery to perform it correctly in the first place.

Big healthcare companies — insurers, hospitals, and so on — probably do not want to pay for getting you the specialized surgery you need. They also probably do not want to compensate you for your loss. Our attorneys can help you stand up to their self-interested pressure with facts, tenacity, and compassionate representation.See our post, “Uneven Leg Length Questions After Hip Replacement Surgery.”

The Truth About Medical Malpractice

Medical conditions caused by medical treatment are nothing new. There is even a doctors’ jargon word for it: Iatrogenic. That does not excuse poor organization or negligent medical work.

We trust our doctors to know what they are doing. We trust our hospitals to support them efficiently and accurately. If someone betrayed your trust and injured you in the process, we believe they should help make you whole again.

The Rockford medical malpractice lawyers of Fisk & Monteleone Ltd. have over 55 years of combined experience and success with these specific types of cases. You would work with our attorneys directly, fighting the institutions that are blocking your access to the care you deserve.