Delay in Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia Results in Settlement for Young Boy

Introduction

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, often detectable at birth or during early childhood check-ups. If left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to long-term mobility problems and the need for surgical intervention. Unfortunately, in this case, a delayed diagnosis led to unnecessary suffering and treatment for a young boy.

At Lavelle Partners, our Medical Negligence solicitors regularly act for families in cases where delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis have had a serious impact on a child’s health. This recent hip dysplasia settlement demonstrates how timely legal advice can help secure compensation and accountability.

Case Summary:

Our client was born in 2012, at a Dublin hospital.  Prior to his discharge from the hospital, the records reveal that an examination of his hips were performed and at that stage, his hips were noted to be normal.  He underwent a six-week check-up with his GP and at that stage an examination was undertaken which was recorded as normal. 

As standard practice he attended his local public health clinic on a number of occasions during the first eighteen months of his life.  His hips were also assessed by a public healthcare nurse during the course of his neonatal check-up.  He was referred to a Dublin hospital for monitoring at about five months of age and he had further attendances over the three subsequent years.

His parents said he was walking with a limp at approximately 12 months, and they raised concerns with the hospital.  At this stage an examination of his hips was undertaken, and the conclusion was that he had a normal gait, and no issues were identified.  At a subsequent appointment his parents raised the concern again about his gait and on that occasion, he was noted to be limping.  Accordingly, a hip x-ray was ordered but no appointment was received by his parents.  Following further review, he was diagnosed with congenital dislocation of his left hip. 

Following the diagnosis of his hip dysplasia in another country he attended the Emergency Department of another hospital in Dublin.  Physical examination on that date revealed a slight limp and an x-ray confirmed the dislocation of the left hip.  He underwent an open reduction of the left dislocated hip.

This individual case mirrors wider concerns raised nationally. In fact,investigations have revealed hundreds of unnecessary hip surgeries on children, with some families only discovering issues many years later. Our team continues to act for families impacted both by delayed diagnoses and by inappropriate surgeries.

Expert Medical Review

Lavelle Partners instructed a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and a Paediatric Surgeon to review his notes and records and instructed a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and a Paediatric Surgeon to review the child’s medical records. 

We argued that an earlier x-ray should have been undertaken when the parents first raised concerns. If this had been done, it is likely the condition could have been treated conservatively with a Pavlik harness, avoiding the need for surgery.

Case Settlement:

The case was successfully mediated for a significant sum with costs in advance of the trial.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters in Hip Dysplasia Cases

Early detection of hip dysplasia is crucial, as conservative treatment is often successful if started before a child begins walking. Delays in diagnosis can lead to invasive surgery, long-term mobility issues and lifelong complications.

If your child has experienced a delayed diagnosis of hip dysplasia, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim.

Alongside cases of delayed diagnosis, recent audits into hip dysplasia surgeries have shown how systemic issues can lead to unnecessary procedures. Families can learn more on our Hip Dysplasia Negligence page, which explains the condition, common signs, and legal options.

Speak to Our Medical Negligence Solicitors

If your child has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis of hip dysplasia, contact Avril Scally, Partner and Head of our Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team, for confidential advice.

Call us today or contact our team online.