Thousands denied hip operations every year despite guidelines
- Apr 28, 2016
- EmmaArnold
A study has shown that hospitals come up with false reasons to avoid operating on patients who should have the procedure.
The University of Liverpool found that less than one third of patients who met the criteria to have a total hip replacement actually underwent the operation.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advise the operation should be carried out within 24 hours of admission.
However, the findings show that people were 10% less likely to have surgery at the weekend, possibly due to lack of specialist surgeons.
The study also found that hospitals are denying patients based on their age, weight and mobility even though the guidelines state only those with cognitive impairments or severe walking problems shouldn't have the operation.
Lesley Herbertson, senior clinical negligence solicitor, said:
It is clearly important that patients who require a hip replacement due to a hip injury or just long term wear and tear receive the same in a timely fashion. Of course, there have been issues over recent years with “metal on metal” hip replacements which have led to adverse chemical reactions within patients who have then gone on to require revision surgery.
Unfortunately, patients in receipt of such surgery face having even more surgery to try and rectify their problems. It would seem that if prompt and effective surgery was performed in all cases at the outset, then the overall need for hip operations across the board might actually fall!
According to the study, around 70,000 people suffer hip fractures every year where quick surgery is essential to prevent the bones setting in the wrong alignment.
The findings also showed that people who were younger and had better mobility were more likely to receive the operation.