OOPS - My surgeon forgot to take the alignment pin out (inc picture)

[Creakyhips]

I guess I was one of the unlucky ones! but my story isn't all bad.

I had a LBHR on 17th July 08 (Thursday), which went well, I had a spinal, stayed awake and didn't have any of the grogginess that you get with a G.A. I had my op here in the UK under the NHS.

The day after the operation I had a post-op X-ray which I believe is carried out to confirm that the alignment is good between the femural head and acetabulum.

When the X-ray was shown on the screen there seemed to be a a huddle of medical staff. They were concerned that in addition to the cap and cup a further metallic object was showing up, a check was carried out of the bed, and under the dressing...nothing was present!

Soon the Consultant visited me and apologised, the item was an alignment pin used in the process that is removed prior to closure, but it had been overlooked. The pin was firmly secured in my femur and as the photo shows also penetrating my quad.

This was discovered Friday lunchtime, unfortunately it meant that I would have to stay in bed for nearly 72 hours until Monday morning before the pin could be removed, and that I wouldn't be able to do any PT or go home.

It was finally taken out Monday, and you can read more about that at my blog www.creakyhips.blogspot.com it's more informative and I welcome comments.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Happy Surface Hippies One and All!!!

James (Creakyhips)

[Pat Walter]

Hi James

Thanks for the post and photo.  I know of one other lady in the US that this happened too.  Interesting that the OR can be so full of so many people and no one really watching as carefully as one would think they should!

I hope your recovery continues to go well.  Thanks for sharing the photo.  I will try to get your story up on the main website soon. I am really behind in trying to catch up with posts.  The Discussion Group is really getting active.

Thanks again and Good Luck.

Pat