When a Routine Hip Replacement Ends in Disability: A Case That Raises Questions About Surgical Oversight

What was intended to be a straightforward hip replacement surgery for a 62-year-old woman in May 2021 instead became a life-changing medical ordeal — one that highlights serious concerns about surgical documentation, postoperative monitoring, and patient safety in orthopedic care.

When you wake up from surgery, you expect to be on the road to recovery, not facing a new disability. If your concerns were ignored by your medical team, our firm won’t brush you aside. Call Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form to talk with a team that understands how devastating medical mistakes can be, and what it takes to challenge them successfully.

From Routine Surgery to Irreversible Harm

In early 2021, the patient sought treatment for persistent right hip pain. Imaging confirmed advanced osteoarthritis, and a total hip replacement was recommended as the most effective course of action.

The operation took place on May 5, 2021, and according to the surgeon’s report, it was completed without complication. Nursing notes from that morning indicated the patient could move all her limbs voluntarily.

However, within hours of surgery, the patient began reporting numbness and loss of movement in her right foot. Later that evening, she was unable to wiggle her toes — a clear neurological change that should have prompted immediate medical evaluation. Records show no physician was notified of this development, and required neurovascular checks were not documented.

By the following day, her mobility had significantly declined. Physical therapy reports described weakness, knee buckling, and the need for two-person assistance during ambulation — a stark contrast from her condition earlier in recovery. Within 48 hours, she had lost all movement below the knee.

Gaps in Surgical Documentation

Postoperative imaging later revealed significant complications that were not reflected in the official operative report. The surgeon had reamed through the acetabular wall, creating a defect in the pelvis known as an acetabular protrusio.

The X-rays also showed the presence of a cerclage cable around the femur — yet the operative note made no mention of it. Likewise, there was no documentation of screws or fixation hardware typically used to stabilize the implant after such an event.

Despite the apparent bone damage, the surgeon did not use a revision cup or secure the implant with screws, both of which are standard measures to prevent migration of components. A Hemovac drain, often used to minimize hematoma formation and nerve compression, was also not employed.

The discrepancies between what occurred during surgery and what was recorded in the official report fall well below accepted standards for surgical documentation.

It’s infuriating to read your medical records and realize they don’t reflect what your body is telling you every day. When something feels off, and the answers aren’t adding up, you’re right to question it. If you believe a surgical mistake is being minimized or hidden, call Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form today. We know where to look for negligence and what questions to ask.

Decline Without Intervention

Following surgery, multiple providers documented signs of neurological deterioration. Still, the records show no evidence that a physician assessed or responded to these findings before discharge.

The patient’s condition continued to worsen. In the months after surgery, she was diagnosed with sciatic neuropathy — permanent nerve damage affecting movement and sensation below the knee.

An MRI performed in January 2022 confirmed a 1.3-centimeter neuroma along the sciatic nerve near the hip, confirming the extent of the injury. The patient now experiences chronic pain, foot drop, and long-term mobility limitations.

A Broader Issue of Accountability

This case reflects more than an individual medical error. It underscores systemic gaps in surgical accountability, communication, and follow-up care.

Operative reports are critical medical documents, yet they often serve as the sole written record of what occurs during surgery. When details are omitted or inaccurately recorded, it not only hinders patient care but also prevents hospitals and oversight bodies from identifying preventable errors.

Experts have pointed out that the lack of documentation, the absence of timely neurological assessment, and the failure to intervene despite clear warning signs collectively represent serious lapses in the standard of care.

A Preventable Outcome

Before the operation, the patient was living independently despite her hip pain. Today, she faces permanent disability — an outcome that could have been prevented with appropriate surgical technique, accurate documentation, and prompt postoperative response.

This case serves as a reminder that accountability in surgical care extends beyond the operating room. Accurate reporting, diligent follow-up, and proactive response to complications are essential to protecting patients and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

When those safeguards fail, the consequences — as this case shows — can be life-altering.

Osborne, Francis & Pettis: Standing With You When Medical Care Fails

When a surgery goes wrong, the physical pain is often only part of the damage. What follows is confusion, disbelief, and the sinking feeling that no one is being fully honest about what happened. 

We built this firm on the belief that every person matters and that powerful institutions should never be allowed to quietly move past medical malpractice. Whether your case involves missing records, delayed action, or warning signs that were ignored, we have the experience, resources, and resolve to take on the tough fight. You don’t have to sort through this alone. If you’re ready to share your story with a team that takes medical harm seriously, call us at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form today.