Hip Dysplasia is a condition that affects babies when the hip joint does not form properly. It can have lifelong consequences for a child and their family.
Why Choose Lavelle Partners for Hip Dysplasia Surgery Claims?
At Lavelle Partners LLP, our award-winning Medical Negligence Team has acted for many families impacted by delayed or unnecessary hip dysplasia surgeries. If you are searching for an experienced hip dysplasia surgery solicitor in Ireland, we can provide clear advice and support from the outset.
We understand how difficult it is to deal with Hip Dysplasia and the devastating impact negligent care can have — from physical pain and limited mobility to emotional distress and financial strain.
Our experienced Medical Negligence Team can:
Explain your rights clearly
Guide you through each step of making a claim
Work closely with leading medical experts to build strong evidence
Ensure your voice is heard and that you receive the support and compensation you deserve
Speak with a Hip Dysplasia Solicitor today. Call +353 1 644 5800 or email us for a confidential consultation.
Hip Dysplasia & Medical Negligence
There can be a range of causes of Hip Dysplasia, with medical negligence being one of them. At Lavelle Partners, we understand the significant consequences for both the child and their parents. Families may struggle to cover the costs of everyday living and those associated with additional medical care.
If the condition was directly due to the negligence of a medical professional, we can assist you in determining if you can bring a claim.
Our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team, headed by Avril Scally, has successfully represented many families in Hip Dysplasia claims.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip Dysplasia, or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip ("DDH"), is a medical condition where a baby’s hip joint does not develop properly.
In a healthy hip, the ball at the top of the thigh bone fits securely into the hip socket. With hip dysplasia, the socket may be too shallow or the ball may be loose, which can lead to partial or complete dislocation of the joint.
Hip Dysplasia can vary in severity, from mild instability to a fully dislocated hip. While it can affect one or both hips, it is more common in the left hip and in girls.
Early detection is crucial, as untreated Hip Dysplasia can lead to mobility issues, pain and arthritis later in life. In most cases, the condition can be successfully treated if diagnosed promptly, often with the use of a harness or, in more serious cases, surgery.
Related Case Insight: Recent reports have revealed a higher-than-expected number of unnecessary children’s hip dysplasia surgeries in Ireland. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment — and where medical errors occur, families may be entitled to legal recourse.
We recently published an article on unnecessary hip surgeries on young children in Dublin hospitals, highlighting the risks of delayed or misdiagnosed cases.
What are the Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Infants?
Recognising the signs of Hip Dysplasia in infants is important for early intervention and effective treatment. All babies should be screened for Hip Dysplasia during their newborn health check and referred for treatment if the signs are present.
Parents and caregivers should watch out for the following indicators:
Uneven leg lengths or one leg appearing shorter than the other
Asymmetrical skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
Limited movement or difficulty spreading the baby’s legs apart
A clicking or popping sound when moving the hips
One hip or leg may appear less flexible than the other
Delayed crawling or walking in more advanced cases
If you notice any of these signs, consult a medical professional for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests. Early detection is key to effective treatment and can help prevent long-term complications.
Related Case Insight: Recent reports have revealed a higher-than-expected number of unnecessary children’s hip dysplasia surgeries in Ireland. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment — and where medical errors occur, families may be entitled to legal recourse. Read the full article here »Unnecessary Children’s Hip Dysplasia Surgeries: Numbers Higher Than Expected.
What are the Consequences of Undiagnosed Hip Dysplasia?
If Hip Dysplasia is not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to long-term complications including:
Pain, difficulty walking or a noticeable limp
Shorter leg length or reduced mobility in the joint
Early-onset osteoarthritis
The need for complex surgery or hip replacement much earlier than expected
If warning signs were present but ignored, families may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Recent Lavelle Partners Hip Dysplasia Case and Key Findings from the National Clinical Audit
In a recent case handled by Lavelle Partners, a 2012-born child’s hip dysplasia was missed despite early clinical checks and parental concerns about the child walking with a limp. Delayed imaging meant conservative treatment was no longer viable and a surgical reduction became necessary. The matter was successfully mediated for a significant settlement.
A separate clinical audit has identified major concerns around paediatric hip surgery in Ireland. Early findings reveal that hundreds of young children in Dublin may have undergone hip surgery without meeting proper clinical indications, particularly at Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals, raising serious concerns about treatment decisions and long-term patient safety. This report has also revealed a higher-than-expected number of unnecessary children’s hip dysplasia surgeries.
As the audit expands, over 2,200 families are now being contacted and emerging information indicates that issues around unnecessary paediatric hip surgery may stretch back more than 15 years. These developments underline the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment — and where medical errors occur families may be entitled to legal recourse.
Award-Winning Recognition
Our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team, headed by Avril Scally, understand the implications of Hip Dysplasia for the person affected and their family. We have worked with many clients who have Hip complications, successfully bringing claims on their behalf where it was due to negligence by another party.
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