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Unnecessary hip surgeries have caused deep distress among families across Ireland. Emerging reports suggest that hundreds of children may have undergone invasive procedures without clear medical justification, raising serious concerns about patient safety and accountability.
If your child has been affected by this, we are here to provide guidance and legal support. If you need any help with confidentiality, please call 1800-844-104 or email [email protected]. You can also visit us at our 84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1, Ireland office.
According to reports presented to the Dáil and investigations published by The Ditch and The Irish Times, a large number of children underwent orthopaedic procedures—including unnecessary hip surgeries—at a Dublin hospital despite internal clinical concerns. Many of these surgeries were performed between 2021 and 2023.
An internal HSE report—kept from families and oversight bodies until now—raised serious concerns about the conduct of a UK-based consultant and the lack of informed consent. Parents have been left in the dark, and many children have experienced long-term consequences, including pain and reduced mobility.
Recent revelations have brought to light that hundreds of children may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at hospitals in Dublin. These procedures—many involving vulnerable children with disabilities—were reportedly carried out without clear medical justification. This has left families devastated and seeking answers, accountability, and justice. If your child was affected, Coleman Legal LLP will help you understand your legal options. Please email us at [email protected] or Free Phone 1800-844-104
If your child underwent hip surgery that was not medically necessary—or received substandard care before, during or after the procedure—it may be a case of medical negligence.
Negligence in paediatric hip surgery can happen when:
These mistakes can result in lasting physical and emotional effects for your child—and deep distress for your family. At Coleman Legal LLP, we are here to help. Diane Treanor, a senior solicitor with extensive experience in medical negligence cases & paediatric negligence cases, leads our legal support for families affected by these unnecessary hip surgeries.
An NHS Consultant has provided a draft report following an audit of Pelvic Osteotomies in children with Developmental Hip Dysplasia. The audit focused on surgeries carried out at Crumlin Hospital (CRH), Temple Steet Hospital (TSH) and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) on children between the ages of 1 and 7 from January 2021 and December 2023.
Pelvic osteotomies would generally be expected to be undertaken on children with persistent hip dysplasia after other measures, such as bracing, had failed or where diagnosis was delayed. This is mainly because skeletal maturity has not been reached. However, the report indicates that surgeries were performed many times before other options were considered. Only at that point would surgery generally be indicated.
Over the period in question, 563 pelvic osteotomies were performed on children aged from 1 to 7 years. 147 cases of 14 surgeons across the three hospitals were audited. Surgeries at CRH were primarily found to have been carried out after the appropriate consideration was given and surgery was indicated correctly.
In TSH and NOHC, the report found that significant numbers of surgeries were performed on children that were not indicated based on the consensus criteria. Surgeons at those hospitals also assessed the percentage risks of persistent dysplasia and arthritis inaccurately in light of peer-occasionally poorly reviewed orthopaedic literature. The report also found that record keeping was occasionally poor at all three hospitals.
At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand the trauma and distress that can come from medical negligence or paediatric negligence, mainly when it affects children. Our experienced legal team is actively investigating the matter and is available to assist families who believe their child may have been affected. We can help you with:
Families may have a legal claim if:
Even if you’re unsure whether your case is part of a broader issue, we encourage you to speak to our experienced paediatric negligence solicitor. Please email us at [email protected] or Free Phone 1800-844-104
Each case will depend on individual medical records. However, seeking legal advice is essential if you were not given complete information or the procedure was later deemed unjustified.
If it can be shown that your child’s surgery was unnecessary and caused harm—physical or emotional—you may be entitled to compensation. We can help assess this.
Every case is different, but we aim to resolve claims as efficiently as possible while prioritising your family’s well-being.
There are time limits for bringing legal claims in Ireland, but exceptions can apply—especially for children. Contact us to learn more.
Solicitors
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60
DX 112002
Free Phone: 1800-844-104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
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