Our client underwent revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at a Dublin based Orthopaedic Hospital in April 2019. Post surgery, he experienced severe pain and excessive swelling. He could not lift his foot and reported numbness in his foot and part of his leg. Our client was transferred to another Dublin based Hospital where the back of his knee was aspirated. His severe pain continued, and his leg became increasingly discoloured but was told this was usual bruising.

Despite ongoing symptoms our client was discharged home.

Our client’s severe pain continued, and so he attended his GP who was concerned as to our client’s presentation and suspected a possible bleed or blood clot. He advised our client to attend the local A&E where he was admitted. An ultrasound showed a likely haematoma.

Our client was transferred back to the Dublin based Hospital where a CT was taken and demonstrated a haematoma and apparent pseudoaneurysm. A CT Angiogram confirmed the pseudoaneurysm. Our client had to undergo immediate vascular surgery during which a large haematoma was evacuated, and the bleeding vessel was ligated.

Our client was advised that the likely cause of his injury was by a guidewire inadvertently causing an injury to the lateral branch of the popliteal artery during the ACL revision which then resulted in the formation of a pseudoaneurysm and haematoma.

Our client has been left with permanent nerve damage and continues to experience numbness and limited movement in his foot. Our client had played high level sport prior to this and is now unable to play Gaelic football, which was his major love due to pain, fear of tripping and fear of injury.

Ultimately, the action settled for €301,100 just days before trial.

If you require further information or advice on any issues arising from this report please contact Gillian O'Connor, Managing Partner, Michael Boylan, Partner or Ciara McPhillips, Partner at 01-9017418