Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in the UK. While they are generally successful in improving mobility and reducing pain, complications can occur— particularly in cases where the standard of care falls short and there is medical negligence. In this guide, we explain what joint replacement surgery involves, potential risks, and how patients can take legal action if things go wrong.
What is hip and knee replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgeries, or arthroplasties, are primarily performed to treat osteoarthritis, gout, and sports injuries. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis or damage from a fall may also necessitate surgery.
When conservative treatments are no longer effective and joint pain significantly impacts daily life, replacement surgery is often recommended. The aim is to restore pain-free mobility and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Key statistics:
According to the National Joint Registry (2023):
- 108,558 primary hip replacement procedures
- 116,845 primary knee replacement procedures
It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK will need a joint replacement in their lifetime.
Data from NHS England (2023/24) shows:
- Hip Replacement: 24.6% of patients reported post-operative issues, 5.7% were readmitted, and 2.3% required further surgery.
- Knee Replacement: 27.6% experienced complications, 7% were readmitted, and 3.1% required further surgery.
Note: These statistics may change over time. For the latest data, refer to the National Joint Registry, the Royal College of Surgeons, or the NHS.
Types of joint replacement surgeries
Knee Replacement:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Both ends of the joint (thigh bone and shin bone) are replaced.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced.
Hip Replacement:
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): Both the ball (top of the thigh bone) and socket (part of the pelvis) are replaced.
- Partial Hip Replacement: Only the ball is replaced.
Common risks and complications
While joint replacement surgeries are common and generally safe, complications can still occur. Medical negligence claims relating to hip and knee replacement surgeries usually arise because of:
Blood clots & deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Blood clots can form and travel to the lungs, causing life-threatening blockages.
- Failure to prevent or diagnose DVT due to inadequate medication or advice can lead to claims.
Tissue and nerve damage
- Poor surgical technique may damage surrounding tissues and nerves.
Prosthesis misalignment
- Improperly aligned implants can lead to dislocations and uneven leg lengths, affecting mobility.
Prosthesis failure
- Incorrectly fitted or defective implants may fail prematurely.
Infections
- Infections at the wound site or around the prosthesis can occur, sometimes due to substandard post-operative care.
Lack of informed consent
- Patients must be fully informed of potential risks before consenting to surgery.
Proving medical negligence in joint replacement surgery
Healthcare professionals owe patients a legal duty of care. To make a successful medical negligence claim, you must demonstrate that:
- Breach of duty: The medical professional provided substandard care.
- Causation: You suffered harm as a direct result.
- Financial loss: You incurred financial losses (e.g., lost income, care costs, ongoing treatment).
How Tees can help
Seeking support for a medical negligence claim is a significant and often challenging step. This is why we are here to listen to you, talk through what happened, and help and guide you every step of the way.
Tees offer a complete funding package, including a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement,  for the investigation of medical negligence claims – this means that you can run the case safely in the knowledge that if you lose the case, it should not cost you a penny.
Read our comprehensive No Win, No Fee Claims guide for more details.
