Story perspectives

Health Commissioner: Surgeon Failed to Disclose Post-Hip Replacement Leg Discrepancy

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Health and Disability Commissioner found the surgeon breached the patient’s rights by not disclosing a confirmed leg-length discrepancy.
The discrepancy arose after a 2021 left hip replacement left the woman with a measurable leg-length difference.
Vanessa Caldwell accepted an expert’s view that the discrepancy should have been corrected within days and criticised the surgeon’s approach.
The surgeon apologized in writing and completed informed-consent training following the HDC report.

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Story summary

The Health and Disability Commissioner found the surgeon breached the patient’s rights by not disclosing a confirmed leg-length discrepancy.
The discrepancy arose after a 2021 left hip replacement left the woman with a measurable leg-length difference.
Vanessa Caldwell accepted an expert’s view that the discrepancy should have been corrected within days and criticised the surgeon’s approach.
The surgeon apologized in writing and completed informed-consent training following the HDC report.