An Independent Medical Audit has found that many children may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at two Irish Hospitals between 2021 and 2023.
The Audit relates to pelvic osteotomy procedures which is a hip surgery used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It is an invasive procedure done only when other treatments like braces or casting don’t work and should only be done when absolutely necessary.
The Audit
On the 23rd of May 2025, the Health Service Executive (HSE) published an independent audit on hip threshold surgeries for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip across three hospitals being CHI at Crumlin, CHI at Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC). The Audit found from a sample of 147 DDH surgeries performed at these hospitals between 2021 and 2023 were not necessary.
It was noted that only one of 63 surgeries examined at Crumlin Hospital did not meet clinical criteria. However, in Temple Street 51 of the surgeries (60% of Surgeries) did not meet clinical criteria and in the NOHC 55 Surgeries (79% of surgeries) did not meet clinical criteria.
The clinical audit was conducted by Simon Thomas, a UK paediatric consultant orthopaedic surgeon who has advised 497 patients who underwent this surgery at Temple Street and NOHC between 2021 and 2023 should be recalled. The HSE has also confirmed they have developed a plan to ensure some 1,800 children and young people who have had the surgery in the two facilities since 2010 will be reviewed.
The Effects
A number of possible complications may arise such as hip pain, problems with walking and running, the need for further surgery later in life and early arthritis.
The report also raises concerns around another “less invasive procedure” which is relatively new. Issues may arise around informed consent as parents were not always made aware that it was an experimental procedure.
How we can help
Our medical negligence team have dealt with a number complex healthcare issues like this. In order to assist you we can request and review your child’s medical records, determine whether the surgery was appropriate and consult independent medical experts.
If it is determined that your child’s surgery shouldn’t have been performed and it has caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation.
Child Hip Claims
If you believe your child may have had one of these unnecessary surgeries in Temple Street or Cappagh Hospital, please contact Anthony Joyce & Co Solicitors or visit Medical Negligence Solicitors Dublin | Contact Us Now for more information and assistance.
