Former Premier League striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has secured a significant High Court victory against a leading surgeon, Professor James Calder, after a judge ruled that an ankle procedure he underwent was “unreasonable nor logical” and contributed to the premature end of his professional football career. The ruling found that the surgery exacerbated his condition, leading to accelerated osteoarthritis and chronic pain. This landmark decision paves the way for a future hearing to determine the substantial damages payable to the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers forward.

Mr Ebanks-Blake, aged 39, sustained a broken left leg in April 2013 during a Championship match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City. The injury, which occurred after a collision with an opposing defender, necessitated medical intervention. He was then referred to Professor Calder, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, for treatment.

During the subsequent operation to repair the fracture, Professor Calder performed an arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Mr Ebanks-Blake contended that during this operation, the surgeon went beyond the necessary repair by cleaning out the joint and removing cartilage, actions he claims were unwarranted given the nature of his injury.

The former striker asserted that Professor Calder’s actions “gave rise to inflammation” within his ankle joint, significantly accelerating the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. He also claimed that he was not adequately informed of the potential risks associated with the additional procedures performed, which he believes directly led to the early conclusion of his playing career in 2019.

Professor Calder vigorously denied the allegations throughout the trial. He maintained that the procedure was entirely appropriate and, if anything, served to prolong Mr Ebanks-Blake’s career, pointing out that the player continued to compete professionally for six years after the surgery. The surgeon argued that the initial injury was severe, making the comprehensive treatment not only reasonable but necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Following a detailed trial in London, Mrs Justice Lambert delivered her verdict, concluding that the arthroscopy did indeed contribute to the decline of Mr Ebanks-Blake’s ankle health. “I am satisfied on balance that, but for the arthroscopy, the claimant would have returned to his pre-accident pain-free state,” the judge stated, directly refuting the surgeon’s defence regarding the procedure’s benefit.

Mrs Justice Lambert further elaborated on her findings, describing Mr Ebanks-Blake’s initial injury as a “modest acute ankle fracture only.” She critically assessed the decision to undertake the arthroscopy and other procedures, stating, “I am satisfied that the decision to undertake arthroscopy, and the other procedures, was neither reasonable nor logical,” given the specific circumstances of the fracture.

The judge meticulously detailed how the surgery caused harm, explaining that the removal of scar tissue and/or degenerate cartilage was directly responsible for the claimant’s persistent pain. She stated, “The removal of the scar tissue destabilised the joint by removing the cushioning and by altering the biomechanics of the joint leading to increased movement of the joint, increased instability and acceleration of degenerative change in the ankle joint.” This specific finding underpinned the court’s decision.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake began his football journey at Manchester United’s youth academy in 2002 at the age of 15, making his senior debut in 2004. A previous injury to his lower left leg in 2005, following a tackle, saw him take a season off before successfully resuming his career. He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008, where he became a prolific goal scorer, a status he held until the fateful 2013 injury.

In his witness statement, Mr Ebanks-Blake recounted that the full body weight of the opposing player landed on the lower part of his left leg, precisely where he had sustained the previous injury. Initially believing the damage to be only ligamentous, an MRI scan subsequently confirmed a fracture. It was after this diagnosis and consultation with Professor Calder that he underwent the ankle surgery that ultimately led to further complications and his eventual retirement from the sport.

During earlier proceedings in July, Simeon Maskrey KC, representing Mr Ebanks-Blake, articulated the core of their claim: “The onset of symptoms and the development and acceleration of osteoarthritis brought the claimant’s footballing career to a premature end.” Conversely, Professor Calder’s defence counsel maintained that the injuries were significant, and it would have been negligent to omit the surgery he performed.

The High Court’s definitive ruling marks a significant moment for Mr Ebanks-Blake. A further hearing is scheduled to assess the precise amount of damages to be awarded, which will likely cover lost earnings, pain, and suffering. This outcome underscores the critical importance of informed consent and judicious surgical decisions in professional sports.

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Keywords: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, High Court ruling, ankle surgery claim, Professor James Calder, Wolverhampton Wanderers, osteoarthritis acceleration, medical negligence football, premature career end