If your child has suffered due to the delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or unnecessary surgery for hip dysplasia, our experienced hip dysplasia medical negligence solicitors are here to help you seek justice.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) – sometimes called congenital hip dysplasia – is a serious condition. When it is missed or mistreated, the consequences can be life-changing. We specialise in representing families across Ireland affected by substandard care, helping them secure answers, accountability and fair compensation.
What Is Hip Dysplasia (DDH)?
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. In babies and young children, this means the ball of the thigh bone doesn’t fit securely into the hip socket. If left untreated, it can cause pain, limping, reduced mobility and early-onset arthritis.
Early screening at birth and follow-up check-ups are key to diagnosis. In many cases, DDH can be successfully treated with a brace or harness. In more severe cases, surgery such as a pelvic osteotomy may be required.
How Does Medical Negligence Arise in Hip Dysplasia Cases?
Unfortunately, negligence can occur at several points in a child’s care:
- Failure to Diagnose in Newborns: Missed signs during routine baby checks can lead to delayed treatment.
- Misdiagnosis or Late Diagnosis: Children showing symptoms such as a limp, unequal leg lengths, or delayed walking may be misdiagnosed or ignored.
- Inadequate Treatment or Follow-up: Incorrect use of braces or surgical interventions performed too late – or when not needed – can cause long-term harm.
- Lack of Informed Consent: Performing surgery without properly informing parents of the risks, alternatives, or necessity may also be negligent.
The Irish Hip Surgery Scandal
A national audit launched in 2023 found that hundreds of children may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries in Dublin hospitals between 2021–2023. According to a leaked draft report:
- 79% of surgeries at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh did not meet the surgical threshold.
- 60% of surgeries at Temple Street Children’s Hospital were also deemed unnecessary.
More than 2,200 letters have been sent to families, some dating back over 15 years, offering follow-up appointments and raising questions about informed consent, ethics and long-term harm.
Read our news article: Unnecessary Hip Surgeries on Children: What We Know So Far
If your child underwent a pelvic osteotomy or other hip surgery and you are concerned it may not have been necessary, you may be entitled to bring a claim.
