Melbourne surgeon George Dimitroulis accused of negligence over ‘experimental’ jaw device

·

Dr George Dimitroulis, a Melbourne surgeon, is being sued by a former patient in a Victorian court. The patient claims that Dr Dimitroulis failed to inform her that he invented an “experimental” device used in her jaw joint replacement surgery. She also alleges that he created the classification system used to diagnose her condition, which led to the surgery.

According to court documents, the patient, referred to as Bianca*, was not fully advised of the risks associated with the operation. She claims the surgery resulted in life-changing injuries, chronic pain, and inability to work. The lawsuit also states that Dr Dimitroulis’ classification system is not widely adopted by other surgeons and that less invasive treatments were available.

Dr Dimitroulis has denied any negligence or that the device, known as an OMX prosthesis, caused Bianca’s injuries. His defence argued that his practices were in line with widely accepted professional standards in Australia.

The patient, who does not want to be identified, claims the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement left her unable to work and with chronic pain.
The patient, who does not want to be identified, claims the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement left her unable to work and with chronic pain. Photo: The Guardian Australia.

The lawsuit, filed by law firm Slater & Gordon, references a research paper authored by Dr Dimitroulis in 2013, which proposed a new surgical classification for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Bianca alleges that Dr Dimitroulis used this system to diagnose her with “level 5” disease and recommend surgery as her only option. She claims she was not informed that the OMX TMJ prosthesis was experimental or of the potential risks, which included facial paralysis, chronic pain, and ear damage.

In his defence, Dr Dimitroulis asserted that he informed Bianca of his role in designing the OMX TMJ prosthesis and discussed the known risks of the surgery with her. He denies that he failed to offer nonsurgical treatment options and claims Bianca described her pre-surgery pain as moderate.

This case follows a previous investigation by the medical regulator, which found Dr Dimitroulis had not properly warned another patient of potential nerve injuries from TMJ replacement surgery, leading to disciplinary action. He completed additional training on informed consent and record keeping, and no conditions remain on his practice.

*Name changed to protect patient confidentiality.

Source: The Guardian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Final farewell at Stanmore as Cyprus Community of NSW prepares to relocate

The Cyprus Community of NSW’s club, located at Stanmore for over four decades, is set to relocate, with an “End of an Era” party being held.

Kindred souls: West African blues meet Greek rebetiko

Stani Goma and Con Kalamaras are working on a project to bring West African and Greek roots music together.

What the 2025 Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal and recognition of Palestine mean for Cyprus

In an age where peace deals are brokered in weeks, Dean Kalimniou reflects on what this means for the unresolved Cyprus question.

Cyprus: Historical and political responsibilities of a national tragedy (Part 4)

The rejection by referendum on 24 April 2004 of the settlement plan of the UN by the Greek Cypriots had negatively influenced the international...

Vamvakou: A mountain village reborn in Greece’s Laconia

The mountain village of Vamvakou in Laconia has transformed into a vibrant community blending tradition and innovation.

You May Also Like

‘We love the culture’: Over 40,000 people flock to Carss Park for the Greek Summer Festival

Over 40,000 people flocked to Carss Bush Park on Sunday for the Greek Summer Festival hosted by St Basil's NSW/ACT.

Labor calls for grant to tailor COVID-19 messaging for multicultural communities

Labor is calling on the Morrison Government to fund a $500,000 COVID-19 Communications Grant for CALD communities.

Alumni excellence celebrated in style at Oakleigh Grammar

Oakleigh Grammar has inducted two more former students into the prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame.