Kansas Jury Finds for Surgeon in Hip Implant Trial

OLATHE, Kan. - A Kansas jury has rejected malpractice claims against an orthopedic surgeon sued by a patient over a failed total hip implant. Deutsch v. Lane, M.D., No. 10cv7606 (Kan. Dist. Ct., Johnson Cty.).

Jurors found for defendant Joel Lane, M.D., on Jan. 26, ending a four-day trial in Johnson County (Kan.) District Court before Judge Kevin P. Moriarty. There were no claims against manufacturers or parties other than the surgeon.

Plaintiff Melvin Deutsch, 64, complained that Lane inserted the acetabular component of his left hip implant at an angle outside the intended range, leading to three hip dislocations …