Failed Hip Replacement Left Pensioner in Pain For Two Years

A botched hip replacement left a pensioner from Rochdale in severe pain for two years.

Geoffrey Flynn struggled to walk and carry out day-to-day jobs around the house as a result of the mistakes made during his operation at Rochdale Infirmary in 2008. The 73-year-old, who has since been awarded compensation for his ordeal, started to feel pain in his leg a few weeks after surgery, but put it down to the after effects of the hip replacement.

“My wife and son both have ME and I care for them, so there’s no way I could have been out of it for that long. I wasn’t happy with the way I was being treated, as I felt my doctor was not listening to me.”

“I was just given tablets and ended up taking eight paracetamols a day and using pain killing patches, but the pain was still unbearable.”

“I was even given very painful lumbar injections at the pain clinic where they sent me, but they didn’t work.”

In 2010, Mr Flynn read an article about problems with metal-on-metal hip replacements and decided enough was enough.

Through his constant perseverance, the following December, he was finally seen by a new consultant and mistakes made during his first replacement were spotted.

Mr Flynn underwent revision surgery in 2012 and has made a good recovery.

A spokesman for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Infirmary, said metal-on-metal hip replacements are no longer undertaken at the trust and the patients who have had one carried out are checked by consultants on a regular basis with frequent blood tests, x-rays and scans.

They added: “We could and should have identified Mr Flynn’s problems earlier and arranged for his metal-on-metal hip to be replaced before we did so in 2012.”

“We would like to apologise to Mr Flynn for the discomfort he has suffered.”

Latest metal-on-metal hip implant advice

Patients with a common type of metal hip implant should have annual health checks for life, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The all-metal devices have been found to wear down at an accelerated rate in some patients, potentially causing damage and deterioration in the bone and tissue around the hip. There are also concerns that they could leak traces of metal into the bloodstream, which the annual medical checks will monitor.

What should I do if I have a hip implant?

You can consult your doctor for further advice if you have any concerns about your hip replacement or do not know which type you have.

How many people are affected?

It is estimated that in total, 49,000 people in the UK have been given metal-on-metal implants with a width of 36mm or above.

Further reading

How safe are metal-on-metal hip implants?

Compensation for victims of faulty hip implants or negligent hip replacement surgery

If you have developed pain, inflammation or mobility problems following hip joint replacement surgery, you could be entitled to compensation. IBB Solicitors’ has helped people from all walks of life obtain compensation resulting from the negligence of a GP, surgeon, nurse or other medical professional. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors will review your case and advise whether you have the potential grounds to make a claim for compensation.

We offer a free initial consultation and a No-Win No-Fee Agreement so there is no financial risk involved if you are not successful. To discuss your case or to make an appointment please contact us on 01895 207835 or 01895 207295. Alternatively, please email us at PI@ibblaw.co.uk or complete our online form.

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