An expert in the use of Stryker hip replacement technology in total hip arthroplasties was required in a medical court case after a patient was diagnosed with lifelong complications from her hip surgery. Her entire right hip had been replaced using Stryker products, but after she awoke from surgery she had lost feeling in most of her leg, developed drop foot with unresponsive foot nerves, and had lost feeling entirely in two of her toes. It was alleged that the sciatic nerve, which spans from the spinal cord down the back of the thigh, had been severely damaged. The woman had also developed a burning pain in the bottom of her foot, and needed a cane and specially designed shoes just to walk.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients like the one described above?
2. Have you ever had a patient develop the outcome or complications similar to the one in this case?
Expert Witness Response E-007304
I do about 50 total hip replacements a year, and have never had a sciatic nerve injury. Although nerve injury is a known complication of the total hip replacement, it tends to be very rare. There may be deviations from the standard of care if the nerve was directly injured or there is evidence of malposition of the components, specifically lengthening, which can lead to nerve injury.
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