Latest news with #orthopaedics
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cambridge University professor, 64, accused of deliberately flunking IQ and memory tests in bid for £1million NHS compensation claim
A University of Cambridge professor has been accused of deliberately flunking IQ and memory tests in a bid to boost a £1million brain damage compensation claim over botched treatment for a stroke. Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and Cambridge school of medicine lecturer, was left with permanent disabilities and had to give up surgery after suffering a stroke at home in November 2016. The 64-year-old claimed that a failure to promptly diagnose his stroke meant he missed out on vital treatment, leading to brain damage and physical disabilities. The educator is now suing the NHS for more than £1million in damages. However, during a hearing at London 's High Court, Dr Hakmi was forced to deny claims he had exaggerated his health complications in a bid to up his compensation. It comes after he scored a 'very bad' 84 on a pre-trial IQ test as part of the case - putting him well below the UK average, despite continuing to teach at one of the world's most prestigious universities. Dr Hakmi, who specialises in foot and ankle surgery, as well as lecturing in the UK and abroad, has been forced to deny deliberately throwing the tests to boost his claim. The Hertfordshire-based medic is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and an affiliated assistant professor at Cambridge, where he performs a teaching role, the court heard. He first suffered a stroke in September 2016, but was given clot-busting thrombolysis treatment and made a good recovery, returning to the operating theatre within weeks. But his barrister, Robert Kellar KC, told Judge David Pittaway KC the surgeon suffered a second stroke two months later, first spotting the symptoms while he worked late at night on paperwork. When the symptoms returned again in the early hours, he went to Lister Hospital, in Stevenage, calling ahead and telling staff he was having a stroke, said the barrister. However, he was not given the same treatment as before after being examined by an A&E doctor and then having spoken to a stroke specialist on the phone in line with the NHS' remote stroke treatment system. He says he was told he would not be offered thrombolysis because he was 'not having a stroke,' with the remote doctor suggesting it could be simply a migraine or epilepsy. It was not until 9am that day that his stroke was diagnosed at the hospital, at which point it was too late to be treated with the same drugs as before. Dr Hakmi accuses the NHS of 'cumulative and inter-related' failings, including a 'cursory and sub-standard examination' in A&E and the fact he was only able to speak to the remote stroke specialist on the phone due to the NHS' Telemedicine system malfunctioning. Mr Kellar said Dr Hakmi had been left permanently disabled by the stroke, but that the worst of the injuries could have been avoided but for the negligence of staff at Lister and on the remote stroke line. As well as a limp and reduced sensation in his fingers and toes, he suffers from fatigue in his right arm, hand and grip, which prevents him performing complex tasks for long periods. He was also left with a brain injury, resulting in short-term memory impairment, difficulty with concentration, reduced processing speed and 'executive deficits.' 'His confidence is low, and he is experiencing significant depressive symptoms due to physical, cognitive, speech, and language issues resulting from his second stroke, which are negatively affecting important aspects of his life,' he said. 'Thus, Dr Hakmi presents with cognitive deterioration, including intellectual functioning, memory, the speed at which he is processing information and executive functioning. 'At the time of the index incident, he was undertaking full-time NHS employment and had a busy private practice. 'He no longer has any private practice. He has returned to his NHS employment but is undertaking restricted duties because of the issues arising from his second stroke. 'He no longer does any surgery. But for the breach of duty, the claimant is likely to have made a good recovery. He would have been able to return to all types of surgery that did not require a high degree of manual dexterity.' But NHS barrister John de Bono KC denied Dr Hakmi is due any compensation and accused him of hamming up his symptoms while being assessed by experts before the trial. As well as the 'very bad' IQ score, he had scored at the very bottom of the range in memory tests, the barrister told the court. He said Dr Hakmi had scored only 84 on an IQ test, putting him below 86 per cent of the general population, adding: 'That's very bad - it suggests it would be hard to function as a surgeon or as an educator at that level.' He had also been assessed by two neuropsychologists, who had performed memory tests, with 'very surprising' and sometimes 'astonishing' results which he said raised a 'serious concern about whether he was putting forward his best effort' in the tests. Dr Hakmi was unable to recall more than four single digit numbers in a row during one examination and scored so low in the tests that in some respects he was below 99 per cent of the population, despite continuing to work as a university 'educator'. 'You scored astonishingly badly for someone operating at the level you are describing this morning,' he said, referencing the fact Dr Hakmi had spoken with pride in the witness box of his work with Cambridge. 'I understand you feel very strongly that you have suffered greatly as a result of this second stroke,' he continued. 'I understand that you feel the reason you have suffered as badly as you have is because of mistakes or negligence. I understand it must make you angry.' He went on to suggest Dr Hakmi's 'sense of injustice' may have led to a desire to make sure that 'people fully understand the impact this has had on you.' 'Is it possible when you went to be tested that you performed worse than you should have done because you were trying to demonstrate to them just how big the impact had been? 'One possibility which I put to you is that you were deliberately underperforming.' But Dr Hakmi denied playing up for the medics who assessed him pre-trial, telling the court he had found the tests 'exhausting.' He denied being dishonest with the doctors, telling the judge, 'it was an exhausting environment when the tests were done in a lengthy and not organised manner. 'Anybody can fail a test but they must be given the best chance,' he continued. 'I definitely have a memory problem, slow effort. I have done everything to mitigate my losses. I know definitely I'm not as before I had the stroke.' Mr de Bono pressed on, referring to a 'memory and malingering' test which had resulted in a score 'very nearly at chance level,' telling Mr Hakmi: 'Someone giving random answers would nearly have scored as badly as you.' Accusing him of 'not being straightforward' with those who assessed him pre-trial, he said: 'There is a pattern emerging. In any given situation, you will try and say whatever you think is going to help you most to achieve whatever your aim is.' But Dr Hakmi hit back: 'I have been straightforward in everything in my life. I have aimed to be a surgeon again, but I have failed.' The damages claim is against the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs the Lister Hospital, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where the remote stroke doctor who spoke to Dr Hakmi was based. The trusts both deny blame, saying he was 'at all times treated with reasonable care and skill by highly competent clinicians.' He was assessed as being unsuitable for thrombolysis treatment because his symptoms were not serious enough and it was too late after the onset of his symptoms. Such treatment can also be risky, carrying a significant risk of brain haemorrhage and death, said the NHS barrister, and even if he had been given it the outcome would probably have been the same. The trial continues.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnson & Johnson MedTech introduces automated system for surgical efficiency
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has introduced the KINCISE 2 Surgical Automated System, intended for use in knee and hip revision procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency. This tool aims to minimise the physical strain on surgeons during the procedures. It is designed to offer control and alleviate the load associated with manual impaction in primary and revision hip surgeries, as well as revision knee replacement surgeries. The company noted that surgeons in the field of orthopaedics are increasingly confronted with complex challenges in the operating room such as longer procedures, the physical demands of surgery, and higher case volumes. KINCISE 2 aims to address the issues of monotonous, high-force tasks, including repeated mallet strikes, which have been associated with overuse injuries, with the majority of surgeons reporting musculoskeletal pain, especially in their hands, neck, and lower back. Building on the company's first-generation KINCISE System, the new system features design elements such as increased reverse energy to aid in broach removal and push-to-lock adaptors to facilitate secure connections. According to the company, the Acetabular Cup Extraction addition positions the system as the first and only automated surgical impactor approved for the removal of well-fixed acetabular components, thereby widening its utility in complex hip revisions. Currently available for commercial use in the US, the system is equipped with a compact design and several grip options. Johnson & Johnson MedTech Orthopaedics company group chair Aldo Denti said: 'The KINCISE 2 System exemplifies the needs-based innovation we're bringing to orthopaedics this year. 'As more patients undergo joint replacements earlier in life, the demand for revision surgeries is rising. The KINCISE System has demonstrated the ability to help surgeons manage those complex cases by reducing operating time and providing procedural control - ultimately supporting better outcomes for patients.' Last month, the company launched the Soundstar Crystal ultrasound catheter in the US, which is intended for use in intracardiac echocardiography imaging during cardiac ablation procedures. "Johnson & Johnson MedTech introduces automated system for surgical efficiency" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnson & Johnson MedTech introduces automated system for surgical efficiency
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has introduced the KINCISE 2 Surgical Automated System, intended for use in knee and hip revision procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency. This tool aims to minimise the physical strain on surgeons during the procedures. It is designed to offer control and alleviate the load associated with manual impaction in primary and revision hip surgeries, as well as revision knee replacement surgeries. The company noted that surgeons in the field of orthopaedics are increasingly confronted with complex challenges in the operating room such as longer procedures, the physical demands of surgery, and higher case volumes. KINCISE 2 aims to address the issues of monotonous, high-force tasks, including repeated mallet strikes, which have been associated with overuse injuries, with the majority of surgeons reporting musculoskeletal pain, especially in their hands, neck, and lower back. Building on the company's first-generation KINCISE System, the new system features design elements such as increased reverse energy to aid in broach removal and push-to-lock adaptors to facilitate secure connections. According to the company, the Acetabular Cup Extraction addition positions the system as the first and only automated surgical impactor approved for the removal of well-fixed acetabular components, thereby widening its utility in complex hip revisions. Currently available for commercial use in the US, the system is equipped with a compact design and several grip options. Johnson & Johnson MedTech Orthopaedics company group chair Aldo Denti said: 'The KINCISE 2 System exemplifies the needs-based innovation we're bringing to orthopaedics this year. 'As more patients undergo joint replacements earlier in life, the demand for revision surgeries is rising. The KINCISE System has demonstrated the ability to help surgeons manage those complex cases by reducing operating time and providing procedural control - ultimately supporting better outcomes for patients.' Last month, the company launched the Soundstar Crystal ultrasound catheter in the US, which is intended for use in intracardiac echocardiography imaging during cardiac ablation procedures. "Johnson & Johnson MedTech introduces automated system for surgical efficiency" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
01-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New orthopaedic centre to cut waiting times in Bath and Wiltshire
A specialist surgical centre has opened which aims to "significantly reduce" waiting times for orthopaedic patients across the Sulis Orthopaedic Centre (SOC), located in Peasedown St John, just outside Bath, will perform an additional 3,000 planned orthopaedic operations on NHS patients every will help to significantly reduce waiting times for many patients lined up for operations, which include life-changing hip and knee SOC is a collaboration between Sulis and three local hospital trusts, known collectively as BSW Hospitals Group, and includes the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the Salisbury Foundation Trust. Cara Charles-Barks, the chief executive of BSW Hospitals Group, said: "We are really pleased to see the Sulis Orthopaedic Centre open its doors to patients. "Not only will it make a real difference by reducing waiting times for orthopaedic surgery, but it will also help to safeguard our services from the increase in demand that we expect to see in the future." The new centre will free up capacity at existing NHS facilities, with patients being cared for at Sulis immediately before and after their surgeries and additional pre and post-operative appointments will take place at their local NHS hospital, as Milner, hospital director Sulis Hospital, said: "The opening of the Sulis Orthopaedic Centre, marks a significant and much-anticipated milestone. "Working in partnership with the NHS enables us to give back to the local community in meaningful ways and we're excited to pioneer a new, collaborative approach to healthcare that benefits everyone."Between April 2024 and March 2025, 750 operations were performed on NHS patients being treated at the RUH, using Sulis' surgical theatres.
Sky News
18-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Teenager living in 'continuous pain' after Dr Yaser Jabbar carried out 'inappropriate' operations
A 15-year-old boy who was operated on twice by a now unlicensed Great Ormond Street surgeon says he is living with "continuous" pain. Finias Sandu has been told by an independent review the procedures he underwent on his legs were "unacceptable" and "inappropriate" for his age. The teenager from Essex was born with a condition that causes curved bones in his legs. Aged seven, a reconstructive procedure was carried out on Finias's left leg, lengthening the limb by 3.5cm. A few years later, the same operation was carried out on his right leg which involved wearing an invasive and heavy metal frame for months. He has now been told by independent experts these procedures should not have taken place and concerns have been raised over a lack of imaging taken prior to the operations. His doctor at London's prestigious Great Ormond Street Hospital was former consultant orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar. Sky News has spoken to others he treated. Mr Jabbar also did not arrange for updated scans or for relevant X-rays to be conducted ahead of the procedures. The surgeries have been found to have caused Finias "harm" and left him in constant pain. "Every day I'm continuously in pain," he told Sky News. "It's not something really sharp, although it does get to a certain point where it hurts quite a lot, but it's always there. It just doesn't leave, it's a companion to me, just always there." Care of over 700 patients being assessed Mr Jabbar rescinded his UK medical licence in January last year after working at Great Ormond Street between 2017 and 2022. The care of his 700-plus patients is being assessed, with some facing corrective surgery, among them Finias. "Trusting somebody is hard to do, knowing what they have done to me physically and emotionally, you know, it's just too much to comprehend for me," he said. "It wasn't something just physically, like my leg pain and everything else. It was emotionally, because I put my trust in that specific doctor. My parents and I don't really understand the more scientific terms, we just went by what he said." Doctors refused to treat Finias because of his surgeries Finias and his family relocated to their native Romania soon after the reconstructive frame was removed from his right leg in the summer of 2021. The pain worsened and they sought advice from doctors in Romania, who refused to treat Finias because of the impact of his surgeries. Dozens of families seeking legal claims His mother Cornelia Sandu is "furious" and feels her trust in the hospital has been shattered. They are now among dozens of families seeking legal claims. Cyrus Plaza from Hudgell Solicitors is representing the family. He said: "In cases where it has been identified that harm was caused, we want to see Great Ormond Street Hospital agreeing to pay interim payments of compensation for the children, so that if they need therapy or treatment now, they can access it." Finias is accessing therapy and mental health support as he prepares for corrective surgery later in the year. A spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital told Sky News: "We are deeply sorry to Finias and his family, and all the patients and families who have been impacted. "We want every patient and family who comes to our hospital to feel safe and cared for. We will always discuss concerns families may have and, where they submit claims, we will work to ensure the legal process can be resolved as quickly as possible." Sky News has attempted to contact Mr Jabbar. The Royal College of Surgeons review into the orthopaedic department at the hospital began in September 2022. It found the hospital's lower limb reconstruction service was not "safe for patients or adequate to meet demand".
