Orthopedic Medical Malpractice-Joint Replacements

January 1, 2026

Orthopedic Medical Malpractice-Joint Replacements

Joint replacements are becoming more and more popular. With the population aging and the baby boomers living longer than expected joint replacements are increasing. Most doctors who now perform either hip, shoulder or knee replacements are able to do these through less invasive surgery.

Hips and Knees

In regards to hip replacements, the direct anterior approach utilizes a cut in the front of the hip allowing muscles to be spread at natural openings in order to gain access to the joint. This reduces the amount of muscle tissue that needs to be cut through. In addition, hip resurfacing surgery can be done with patients who have strong bones. It involves the placement of a metal cap around the ball joint where the cartilage has worn down.

It is not uncommon that with hip replacement, there is a leg length discrepancy. If the discrepancy is more than 6mm, that is potentially a basis for a medical malpractice claim.

In regards to knee replacements, computer navigation can be used to set the replaced parts and to stylize the fit to each patient. This method gives the doctor a better view of the site and allows him to reduce the cut that is needed.

For my comments on the necessity of these surgeries see the pages on this site. Call or contact us for a free consult.

Orthopedic Medical Malpractice Malpractice-Ankle Arthritis Surgery

This surgery is generally a treatment of last resort for ankle arthritis.

Ankle arthritis is a form of what is called osteoarthritis. It consists of the breakdown of cartilage between the bones. This may be due to damage or the aging process. The bones physically come into contact with each other during movement. This produces pain. The body responds to that pain either through inflammation or swelling. In cases where there is a lack of tissue where some should exist then there may be abnormal bone growth. These are called bone spurs.

Many of those people who experience ankle arthritis are those who have had previous injuries or fractures to that joint.

The first line of treatment for ankle arthritis is over-the-counter pain medicine and braces. The braces limit motion and make the joint more stable. Also physical therapy can help in the sense that it may strengthen the tendons and ligaments in the joint area. In addition shoe orthotics help control the movement of the joint. Likewise cortisone injections may relieve the swelling. Another form of injections that are now being used are platelet or bone marrow injections. These are taken from the hip and injected into the ankle joint in order to promote growth of cartilage between the bones.

Orthopedic Malpractice-Fusion or Replacement

In terms of surgical options, there are two: ankle fusion and total ankle replacement.

With ankle fusion the doctor glues the joint together. The joint no longer moves up and down. That impacts your ability to walk. This can cause other joint problems.

With a total ankle replacement the damaged joint is actually removed and replaced with an artificial ankle. This then allows nearly normal movement.

However ankle replacement is not available for anyone with an active infection or damaged skin around the ankle or a missing bone in that area.

Orthopedic Medical Malpractice Joint Replacements-Total Ankle Replacement

Candidates for an ankle replacement typically are people with:

advanced ankle arthritis,
complex fractures with sequelae,
congenital ankle deformities,
hemophilic arthropathy,
rheumatoid arthritis

Dr. Paul Cooper of Georgetown University is one of the leaders in this field. He uses a replacement ankle that has been vetted by the FDA. It is made in three pieces that move independently. It gives patients better range of motion. Also if one part of the ankle wears out then that part can be replaced. The whole ankle does not need to be replaced. Replacement joints usually last 10 to 15 years.

Brien Roche

Brien A. Roche has been an attorney since 1976. Mr. Roche is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. In addition to his busy law practice, Mr. Roche is also a published author of several books & articles relating to the practice of law.

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