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In July 2024, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh and Children’s Health Ireland (“CHI”) initiated a joint clinical audit to assess 147 hip dysplasia surgeries performed over a three-year period, from 2021 to 2023. The audit was commissioned by both hospitals following concerns raised by a whistle-blower regarding the criteria used to determine whether surgery should be performed on children with Developmental Hip Dysplasia at these hospitals.
Audit Findings
The audit revealed that 85 of the 147 surgeries were conducted at Temple Street Hospital. 51 of the 85 surgeries did not meet the clinical criteria for surgery, indicating that approximately 60% were unnecessary.
A total of 70 surgeries were reviewed at Cappagh Hospital, of which 55 failed to meet the criteria, meaning 79% were deemed unnecessary. Additionally, one of the 63 surgeries reviewed at Crumlin Hospital did not meet the clinical standards.
Ongoing Review
The audit recommends that all children who underwent pelvic osteotomy surgery should receive long-term follow-up care. In response, the HSE confirmed that plans are in place to address this, including a review of around 1,800 children and young people who have undergone this surgery at the two hospitals since 2010. These reviews will continue until the children reach skeletal maturity.
Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin described the findings of the report as "very concerning" and stressed the gravity of the situation. The HSE also expressed deep concern over the audit’s findings.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, affected families and advocacy groups are calling for transparency, accountability and appropriate support for those impacted. The final report is expected to shed more light on how these surgeries were approved and what safeguards may have failed.
In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected receive the care, information and follow-up they need.
Further Information
Read our previous article: Report: Hundreds of Unnecessary Hip Surgeries on Young Children
Read our extensive commentary in the Sunday Times Ireland: Thousands of Families Contacted over Children's Unnecessary Hip Surgery
See our Hip Dysplasia page, which explains the condition, common signs of Hip Dysplasia, the consequences of undiagnosed Hip Dysplasia and how we can help.
See our Surgical Negligence and Orthopaedic Negligence pages and how you can bring a claim for Surgical Negligence.
Contact Us
For further details or if you have any concerns about hip surgery that your child has undergone in Ireland, please contact Avril Scally, Partner and Head of our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team.
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