Navigating the Intersection Between Medicine and Law: A Primer on Hip Replacement Surgery

• Pages: 51-80
• Date: 01 April 2024
• Author: Samuel D. Hodge Jr.,P. Maxwell Courtney
• Subject Matter: Derecho Público y Administrativo

51

Samuel D. Hodge, Jr. is a professor at TempleUniversity,where he teaches both law and

anatomy. He is also a mediator and neutral arbitrator for the Dispute Resolution Institute.

Professor Hodge has authored more than 700 publications and has written ten books. He

is considered one of the country’s most popular continuing legal education speakers and has

spoken at over 500 programs on medical/legal issues. P. Maxwell Courtney is a board-

certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at the Rothman Institute specializing in hip

and knee replacement surgery. He is also an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at

Thomas Jefferson University and lectures across the country and internationally. He has

authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized with the AAHKS

Young Investigators Award and the John Insall Award from the Knee Society for his work.

NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN

MEDICINE AND LAW: A PRIMER ON HIP

REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Samuel D. Hodge Jr. & P. Maxwell Courtney

I. Introduction ...................................................................................53

A. Statistics ...................................................................................54

II. Why Is the Surgery Done ..............................................................54

A. Conditions That Lead to a Hip Replacement ........................55

B. Why Surgery Should Not Be Performed ..............................57

III. Anatomy of the Hip ....................................................................... 58

A. Bones of the Hip .....................................................................59

B. Acetabulum .............................................................................60

C. Articular Cartilage .................................................................60

D. Soft Tissue ...............................................................................60

IV. Hip Replacement Surgery—A Medical Overview ........................ 61

A. What Is Seen on Physical Examination ................................61

B. Diagnostic Tests ......................................................................63

C. Operative Procedures .............................................................63

D. Types of Implants ...................................................................64

E. Implant Fixation Methods ......................................................65

F. Surgical Complications ........................................................... 66

G. Revision Surgery ..................................................................... 67

Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal, Spring 2024 (59:1)52

V. Legal Considerations ..................................................................... 68

A. Products Liability Claims .......................................................68

B. Malpractice ..............................................................................71

1. Infection ............................................................................73

2. Hip Implant Loosening ......................................................76

C. Informed Consent ...................................................................77

VI. Conclusion ..................................................................................... 80

Q. What leads to the release of cobalt and chromium ions into

the bloodstream along with cancer, neurological issues, and

heart disease?1 Moreover, how have these issues led to multi-

billion-dollar settlements?2

A. These problems arise due to complications stemming from hip

replacement surgery.

In the realm of medical advancements, hip replacement surgery stands

as a remarkable testament to progress, offering countless individuals the

opportunity to reclaim their mobility and enhance their quality of life.3

Each year, a substantial number of patients undergo total hip replacement

surgery, a transformative intervention that empowers them to regain their

independence and movement.4 However, with this life-changing process

lie both medical complexities and legal considerations.5

Individuals undergoing hip replacement surgery may encounter adverse

events such as blood clots, infection, prosthetic loosening, and dislocations.

Beyond medical risks, it is crucial to address legal implications as well.

Notably, instances of medical malpractice claims related to this procedure

have surged. Patients often assert that their surgeon either failed to secure

informed consent, misdiagnosed, or inadequately treated complications, or

utilized defective medical devices.6

This article will delve into the multifaceted domain of hip replace-

ment surgery, effectively bridging the gap between the medical and legal

1. Linda Rath, Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Risks, A F., https://www.arthritis

.org/health-wellness/treatment/joint-surgery/safety-and-risks/metal-on-metal-hip-implant

-risks (last visited July 25, 2023).

2. Common Complications and Hip Litigation, M  F, https://landing.meyers

-flowers.com/hip-litigation?campaign=172616834&content=354569143155&keyword=hip

%20implant%20recall&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiIOmBhDjARIsAP6YhSUBGYVu8TNKf

a9TYIEjjRiCf_2Y5IlcaCk1mHTnvDLLQf55yUnPnHcaAtoMEALw_wcB (last visited July

25, 2023).

3. This response is based upon a question posed to ChatGPT to help write an introduction

to this article. The question was posed by the authors on July 24, 2023.

4. This response is based upon a question posed to Bing AI to help write an introduction

to this article by the authors. The question was posed on July 24, 2023.

5. See supra note 3.

6. Id.