Negligent surgery to fix tibial fracture

Our medical negligence solicitors are pursuing a claim for a professional footballer who fractured his right distal tibial shaft and was admitted to hospital for surgery to fix the fracture by intra medullary nail insertion.

Our client was advised that the operation was successful and that he could begin his physical rehabilitation programme with his football club's physiotherapist. He found, however, that he was unable fully to extend his right knee or fully to bear weight, creating considerable discomfort and limiting his ability to exercise. He was referred for a second opinion and radiology showed that the tibial nail fitted to fix the fracture was about 1.5cm proud of the proximal tibial margin and impinging on the tendon.

Our client had to undergo further surgery to remove the nail and replace it with one of the correct size, causing long delay in his recovery and, ultimately, the loss of his professional football contract.

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