Patient Left Permanently Disabled After Surgical Error in Routine Hip Replacement

What was meant to be a routine hip replacement surgery in October 2020 turned into a life-changing tragedy for one patient after a surgeon placed a screw inside the pelvis in what experts call a “danger zone,” causing catastrophic and permanent nerve and vascular injuries.

The patient went into surgery on October 19, 2020, expecting improved mobility and relief from hip pain. Instead, he left the hospital unable to properly move his leg — and would later learn that a surgical screw had been placed dangerously close to major blood vessels and nerves.

At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by surgical errors and medical malpractice. Call us today at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our private online form to speak with our experienced team and start getting the guidance and support you deserve.

Warning Signs Ignored

Immediately after the surgery, medical notes described the patient as unsteady, hopping with a walker due to numbness and loss of strength in his left leg. A neurological assessment recorded “impaired sensation” in the lower extremity, and by the next day, the patient was reporting new numbness spreading through his thigh — symptoms that should have triggered urgent concern.

Yet, no corrective measures were taken. Instead, the patient was discharged despite clear signs of nerve damage.

Imaging Confirms Dangerous Placement

Just two days after the surgery, on October 21, 2020, a CT scan of the patient’s lower extremity revealed the cause of his new and worsening symptoms. The scan showed that the acetabular screw from the hip replacement had extended into the left iliacus muscle, with the tip of the screw positioned against the iliac blood vessels — an area known among orthopedic surgeons as a high-risk “danger zone.”

The scan also revealed a mild hematoma, indicating vascular injury to the iliacus muscle. Despite these alarming findings, the surgeon did not recommend revision surgery or any decompression procedure to prevent further damage.

Permanent Damage

Without timely intervention, the patient’s condition worsened and ultimately became permanent. He was later diagnosed with complete femoral nerve palsy, femoral axonotmesis, and neurotmesis, resulting in total loss of nerve function in the quadriceps. The injuries also led to urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic lower-limb disability — all consistent with severe neurovascular trauma.

Experts note that such an outcome is entirely preventable when standard surgical protocols are followed. In this case, the surgeon failed to verify the depth and placement of the screw, ignored postoperative neurological symptoms, and discharged the patient without addressing clear evidence of injury.

With decades of combined experience representing people harmed by surgical errors and medical negligence, Osborne, Francis & Pettis understands what it means to trust a doctor and wake up worse than when you went in. 

The build-up to surgery is already filled with fear and exhaustion, and no one should then be left to deal with permanent harm caused by a preventable mistake. If you or a loved one has been affected, call Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form to take the next step toward standing up for yourself when the system failed you.

Failure to Inform and Protect

The case also raises concerns about the patient’s informed consent and right to be fully informed about surgical risks. Physicians have a duty to disclose the potential dangers, complications, and alternatives associated with any procedure.

According to the complaint, the patient was never properly warned of these risks and was not informed of the nature or extent of his injuries once they occurred.

“If he had known the risks or understood what went wrong, he never would have consented to the procedure,” the complaint states. “He lost his mobility, his independence, and a part of his life that can’t be restored.”

A Preventable Tragedy

This case underscores the devastating impact of medical negligence and the importance of surgical accountability. A procedure intended to restore movement instead caused permanent paralysis — not due to unforeseeable complications, but because of avoidable errors and a failure to act when it mattered most.

For patients, it serves as a reminder to ask questions, seek second opinions, and ensure they fully understand the procedures they consent to.

For the medical community, it is a call to strengthen safety protocols and reinforce the duty of care — because no patient should leave the operating room worse than when they entered.

Osborne, Francis & Pettis: Standing Up for Patients When Things Go Wrong

At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we know that behind every case file is a person whose life has been upended. When you go in for a routine procedure, you’re placing your trust and your future in a doctor’s hands. When that trust is broken, the damage seeps into every part of your life, changing how you move, work, and live day to day.

Whether you’re dealing with a surgical error, a dangerous drug, or a birth injury, we’re here to listen to your story and fight to get you the resources you need to heal. 

We aren't some impersonal law firm where you’re just a number. We’re a team of people who believe in doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult. If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to help. Give us a call at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online form, and let’s figure out your next steps together.