Patient takes legal action over loss of leg following treatment

Health chiefs launch inquiry into trauma surgeon's work

Trainee accountant Simon Aitcheson, of Oakenshaw, near Bradford, was born with spinal abnormalities.

The 21-year-old had regular hospital check-ups throughout his life but by the time he was 15 the spinal problems triggered changes which left his foot deformed.

He underwent two complex operations to reshape it at Leeds General Infirmary which left his left leg around an inch short.

His father David, 49, said his medical treatment had been "superb" throughout his early years. The two operations had progressed as expected, leaving his foot "80-90 per cent" right.

A third operation in June 2008, this time under trauma and orthopaedic specialist Toby Branfoot, was designed to lengthen his leg as well as make a final correction to straighten the foot.

Simon's leg was broken and a special frame fitted which was designed to manipulate bones into position. The device is adjustable using struts which increase or decrease pressure on areas where changes are needed.

But by August, Simon and his family were becoming concerned about a black patch of bruising on the sole of his foot. This later developed into a massive open wound which became infected.

They queried with Mr Branfoot what was happening, since the foot looked out of shape. He made a number of adjustments to the frame but they say he assured them there was no problem.

"He acted like there was nothing wrong," said Simon.

In November, Mr Branfoot was on sick leave and Simon saw a different consultant during his outpatient appointment

"He couldn't believe what he was looking at," said his father.

The consultant urgently called in other specialists and Simon was immediately admitted to hospital as the shocked family were told how bad his position was – a joint dislocation had occurred in his foot and other abnormalities had developed, affecting blood supplies.

Surgeons told them they could operate to try to save his leg but his best option was to have it amputated. He lost his left leg below the knee on December 9 2008.

He was fitted with a prosthetic leg a year ago but is frequently left with difficulties walking which experts believe will worsen in future years. Simon has missed more work this month because the limb needing changing but has had claims for state benefits turned down and has been warned it will be several more weeks before the problems are sorted out.

A temporary accounts assistant with supermarket Morrisons, Simon said he was angry at what had happened and although he had been told about other possible complications, he would not have gone ahead with the surgery had he known he could lose his leg.

"They never said anything about losing my leg," he said. "This was never a risk."

He missed his accountancy exams a year ago due to the operation and is now preparing to take them again before going to Glasgow University.

"He's had a lot of treatment in his life," his father added. "All the pain and suffering to get his foot into a reasonable position was for nothing. Two years of his life were for nothing. If we had been told he could lose his foot we would have just left it as it was."

His legal team are suing Leeds hospitals NHS trust for the loss of his leg, blaming a failure to adequately monitor the progress of his treatment and act on the problems to save his limb. Mr Branfoot has not carried out clinical duties since December 2008.