What Is the Risk of Femur Fracture During Hip Replacement?

Hip replacements can be life-changing, offering relief from pain and restoring mobility. However, complications can occur. A femur fracture during hip replacement surgery may raise concerns about medical malpractice, particularly if it was caused by a surgeon’s negligence or failure to meet medical standards.

While some fractures are unavoidable due to patient-specific factors or unforeseen complications, others may result from improper surgical techniques, poor planning, or inadequate post-operative care. At Paulson Coletti, our Portland medical malpractice lawyer helps clients determine whether their injury was due to unexpected complications or a true femur fracture during hip replacement malpractice, guiding you through your next steps.

What Is a Femur Fracture?

The femur, commonly referred to as the thigh bone, is the strongest and longest bone in your body. A fracture occurs when the bone is broken, resulting from trauma, stress, or underlying health conditions like osteoporosis. During hip replacement surgery, the femur may be at risk of fracture due to the mechanical force in implanting the new joint.

According to MedlinePlus, repairing a femur fracture may require an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). This surgical method involves aligning the bone and securing it with metal devices like rods, screws, or plates. Recovery can take several months and often requires physical therapy.

Types of Femoral Fractures During Hip Replacement

Femoral fractures during or following hip replacement surgeries fall into two main categories:

Intraoperative Fractures

These occur during the surgery itself and are often attributed to:

• Excessive force was applied while implanting the prosthetic device
• Poor surgical techniques
• Weakening of the bone due to age or pre-existing conditions

Postoperative Fractures

These fractures happen after the surgery and can result from:

• Falling or trauma during recovery
• Loosening or malfunctioning of the implant
• Osteoporosis or other conditions weakening the bone

The severity of the fracture determines the treatment approach, which may range from conservative management to complex revision surgeries.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors may contribute to femur fractures during hip replacement:

Surgical Errors

Improper surgical techniques or poor bone preparation can lead to fractures. It is crucial to ensure that the surgeon follows accepted medical standards.

Weak Bone Health

Patients with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken the bone are at higher risk.

Use of Defective Implants

Faulty hip implants, like the recalled Zimmer implants, can increase the likelihood of fractures. They may loosen over time, placing stress on the femur.

Trauma During Recovery

Falls or other accidents during the post-surgical recovery period can result in fractures, particularly if the bone is already compromised.

Recognizing Potential Malpractice

Femur fractures during hip replacements are not always preventable. However, sure signs may indicate that malpractice could be involved:

• The surgeon failed to follow established medical standards.
• Defective implants contributed to the fracture.
• There was inadequate pre-operative planning or insufficient patient preparation.
• Post-operative care instructions were unclear, leading to unnecessary complications.

A femur fracture caused by negligence can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Consulting with a medical malpractice attorney can help determine if your case’s circumstances warrant legal action.

Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice

If malpractice is suspected, understanding the legal timeline is crucial. According to the Oregon State Bar, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Oregon is typically two years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, a statute of ultimate repose imposes a strict five-year deadline from the treatment date, regardless of when the injury is discovered.

Failing to act within these deadlines may result in losing the right to seek compensation, making it essential to consult an attorney promptly.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Malpractice

If you believe your femur fracture was caused by malpractice during a hip replacement procedure, here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the top priority. Consult a trusted healthcare provider to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Document Everything

Thoroughly document your medical history, including:

• Surgical records
• Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays or MRIs)
• Any communication with your healthcare provider about the surgery or complications

Preserve Evidence

If a defective implant is involved, preserve it for investigation. This could be a critical piece of evidence in a legal case.

Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney

An attorney experienced in handling medical malpractice cases can help evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and determine whether you have a valid claim.

Contact Our Portland Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one suffered a femur fracture during hip replacement surgery, it’s essential to know your options. Paulson Coletti can help you navigate potential claims and seek justice in Portland and Oregon.

Act quickly, as medical malpractice cases have time limits. Call us today at 503-226-6361 for a free consultation. Our experienced team is ready to help.