Unnecessary Hip Surgeries on Children in Dublin Hospitals A 15-Year Concern

An ongoing investigation has raised serious concerns about potentially unnecessary hip surgeries performed on children at two Dublin hospitals. Evidence suggests that these procedures may date back as far as 2010, affecting hundreds of families and raising questions of medical negligence.

Audit into Unnecessary Hip Surgeries

The inquiry stems from an ongoing audit of paediatric hip surgeries conducted between 2021 and 2023, involving 561 children treated at Cappagh Hospital and Temple Street Hospital. The audit is examining claims that some of these children underwent hip operations that were not medically necessary, and in some cases, for conditions they may never have had.

These findings built on an earlier draft report revealing hundreds of unnecessary hip surgeries on children, which first brought the scale of the issue to light.

Who Has Been Affected?

Emerging information indicates the scope of the issue may be far greater than initially believed. Families are now reportedly receiving letters about procedures carried out on their children as far back as 15 years ago.

Health Minister Ms. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed that Children’s Health Ireland (“CHI”) and the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh have issued more than 2,200 letters to patients and families of those who underwent hip dysplasia surgeries since 2010. Hip dysplasia surgery is typically performed when the ball and socket joint of a child’s hip does not fit together correctly.

It is now feared that thousands of individuals may have been affected, including many who are now adults. The Minister said families are being contacted about operations their loved ones underwent. She said the Government will consider any recommendations for clinical follow-up once the final report is published. She added that once received, the audit will be published as soon as she has “digested it”.

Read our extensive commentary in the Sunday Times Ireland article, Thousands of Families Contacted over Children's Unnecessary Hip Surgery.

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.

In related coverage, earlier draft reports highlighted hundreds of unnecessary hip surgeries on young children. More recent audits have shown even higher numbers of unnecessary procedures.

If you or your child has been affected by unnecessary hip surgery, our experienced medical negligence solicitors can advise you on whether you may have a claim. We have acted in complex surgical negligence and orthopaedic negligence cases, including hip dysplasia claims.

Further Information

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.