A 47 year old man underwent an unnecessary lateral release operation on his knee. It was alleged that the operation was unnecessary and that he had only been consented for a simpler arthroscopy operation.

As a professional football coach, the gentleman was clear that he would not have agreed to the more complex procedure if it had been properly warned of the risks and benefits of the procedure. He suffered a prolonged period of recovery and his earnings were adversely affected. Whilst liability was denied by East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, the matter eventually settled for £24,000.