Pressure sores following knee surgery

Our client underwent knee replacement surgery at a private hospital. Before the operation, staff incorrectly assessed her as being at low risk of developing pressure ulcers.

The day after surgery, she reported tingling in her foot and continued to experience pain and discomfort. By the time she left hospital, she had developed a deep tissue injury that progressed into a grade 3 or 4 pressure sore on her left heel.

The case investigation found that staff hadn’t provided appropriate preventative care. They also failed to put an adequate care plan in place to prevent pressure damage.

Our client developed a severe pressure sore on her left heel. The wound required ongoing treatment, including dressing changes at multiple outpatient appointments and treatment from a plastic surgeon.

Her foot remains extremely tender, and the surrounding skin is tight and fragile. Nerve damage has also altered sensation in the area, which is expected to be permanent or long-term.

She needs to wash and moisturise the affected area daily using a special cream. The vulnerable scar tissue also means she must take care to avoid further injury.

The pressure sore prolonged our client’s recovery from knee replacement surgery and changed many everyday activities she previously enjoyed.

She used to enjoy walking on holiday with her husband and walking barefoot around her home and garden. She can no longer walk very far and must wear footwear to protect the vulnerable tissue on her heel.

She also can’t wear normal-sized footwear or shoes with heels because they cause pressure and pain. Her general fitness has been adversely affected.

The team on the case consulted an independent nursing and tissue viability specialist to investigate the care our client received. The expert identified failures in clinical judgement and in the implementation of an adequate plan to prevent pressure damage.

Staff hadn’t given clear instructions about how often our client needed repositioning or how to help her move safely in bed. They also failed to provide slide sheets or adequate supervision, despite records showing that she couldn’t move independently.

Once the blister ruptured, staff also failed to assess the wound properly or put a suitable treatment plan in place to promote healing and reduce pain.

The hospital denied liability throughout the claim. The team on the case initially received a low settlement offer.

Through negotiation, they increased the offer to a level that better reflected the impact of the negligence on our client. This required the team to use the expert evidence to explain the failures in care and the ongoing consequences of the injury.

The settlement reimburses our client for most of the expenses she had already incurred. It also provides a sum towards equipment and treatment she may need in the future.

The award reflects the pain and suffering she experienced, along with the loss of enjoyment of activities she previously enjoyed. The source also anticipates that the hospital has learned lessons to help prevent similar incidents.

If you’ve developed a pressure sore following surgery and are concerned about the care you received, Fletchers can help you understand your options.

Contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our medical negligence team.