Surgeon sued for ‘ending career’ of ex-Blues star
Medic denies negligence over ‘surgical error’ in knee operation
FORMER Blues and Wolves footballer Roger Johnson is suing an experienced knee specialist over an alleged “surgical error” he claims led to the early end of his professional career.
The former defender is bringing a High Court clinical negligence claim against Andrew Williams, who he accuses of causing a “large defect” during an operation on his left knee in March 2017.
Mr Johnson claims that following the procedure he suffered continued swelling and pain and did not fully recover.
He alleges that Mr Williams – a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who has worked with Premier League football clubs and Premiership rugby teams – was “negligent” by damaging his medial retinaculum, a protective fibrous capsule in the knee.
Mr Williams denies causing the rupture, arguing that other factors could have contributed to Mr Johnson’s condition, such as infection and the player allegedly not complying with the medical advice.
The surgeon and the exfootballer both attended a trial on liability at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Satinder Hunjan QC, representing Mr Johnson, explained in written arguments that the former player suffered a knee meniscus tear on January 27, 2017 during a training session while playing for Charlton Athletic FC.
He was advised surgery on the tear would see him “fully fit within 16 weeks” and was operated on by Mr Williams four days later.
But by late February Mr Johnson, who made more than 600 appearances during his career, was experiencing swelling and sharp pains across his knee.
He was later told his knee was infected and underwent urgent surgery on March 17.
Mr Hunjan claimed: “A surgical error was made in this case which, unfortunately, has had significant consequences for the claimant.”
Mary O’Rourke QC, for Mr Williams, argued in her written submissions that there was “no evidence, on the balance of probabilities, to support any significant defect being present on or immediately after the procedure on March 17”.
Ms O’Rourke noted that the surgeon had “concern” that the footballer “did not comply with medical advice as to rest and rehabilitation and consequently contributed to his condition”.
The trial before Jeremy Hyam QC continues, with a ruling expected at a later date.