Unnecessary Hip Dysplasia Surgery on Children in Dublin – Audit Findings

A recent audit has revealed that a high number of hip dysplasia surgeries performed on children in Dublin hospitals may have been unnecessary. The investigation raises serious concerns about clinical decision-making, patient safety and possible grounds for medical negligence claims.

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 joint clinical audit revealed that:

• At Temple Street Hospital, 85 surgeries were reviewed. 51 (60%) did not meet the clinical criteria for surgery and were unnecessary

• At Cappagh Hospital, 70 surgeries were reviewed. 55 (79%) failed to meet the criteria meaning they were deemed unnecessary.

• At Crumlin Hospital, one of 63 reviewed surgeries failed to meet the required clinical standards.

Alongside these national findings, Lavelle Partners recently acted in a hip dysplasia settlement case involving a delayed diagnosis. That case highlights how both misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery can cause long-term consequences for children and their families.

If your child underwent hip dysplasia surgery and you are concerned it may have been unnecessary, our experienced medical negligence solicitors can advise you. We specialise in hip dysplasia negligence cases and orthopaedic negligence claims.

Ongoing Review and HSE Response

The audit recommends that all children who underwent pelvic osteotomy surgery should receive long-term follow-up care. 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 Impact on Families and Legal Implications

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 and Support

• 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.