A FIFE patient’s complaint about knee surgery at Dunfermline’s Queen Margaret Hospital has been thrown out by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

The patient, Mr C, was referred to the hospital’s orthopaedic department because he suffered pain in his knee despite having physiotherapy and reviewed by a registrar who said he had a medial meniscal tear (cartilage problems).

Following a scan, an orthopaedic consultant wrote to Mr C saying there was no tear and surgery was not required, and recommended more physiotherapy.

Complained Mr C then attended a private consultation with an orthopaedic doctor, who thought he did have a meniscal tear.

A few weeks later Mr C underwent private surgery and told the ombudsman he was able to return to work within four weeks.

He complained about the treatment he had received at Queen Margaret, saying he was not offered surgery and that the orthopaedic consultant had reached a decision without examining him.

However, ombudsman Jim Martin found the scan did not show Mr C had a meniscal tear.

He concluded, “There was, however, an indication of degenerative changes (osteoarthritis – a common form of arthritis) behind the knee cap, and the board had treated him in accordance with the national guidance for the management of this that was in place at the time.

“Our adviser also said that there was no assurance that the surgery was the sole cause of Mr C’s improvement, as the symptoms of degenerative knee disease may improve on their own.

“We concluded that the orthopaedic registrar’s examination was appropriate, and that it was reasonable for the consultant to not have seen Mr C in person, given that he had reviewed the scan results.” Heather Knox, NHS Fife director of acute Services, said, “We note the contents of the ombudsman’s report and note that no recommendations were made.

“NHS Fife treats all complaints with the upmost importance and we remain committed to providing the best possible care and experience to every patient who requires our services.”