A trauma surgeon is being investigated over concerns about his treatment of patients, including a 21-year-old Bradford man who had a leg amputated.

Trainee accounts clerk Simon Aitcheson, of Oakenshaw, has been left with long-term mobility problems and will need further care, an adapted property and special prosthesis after the procedure was carried out by orthopaedic surgeon Toby Branfoot.

Mr Aitcheson was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary in June 2008 for what was planned as an operation to correct a three centimetre left leg length discrepancy and foot deformity.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has now asked the Royal College of Surgeons to look into a “small number of cases” of complex trauma carried out by Mr Branfoot, whom it employs.

Mr Branfoot is now voluntarily performing non-clinical duties.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing Mr Aitcheson, has also reported Mr Branfoot to the General Medical Council.

Rachelle Mahapatra, head of the medical law team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The amputation is an unnecessary tragedy which will affect his – Mr Aitcheson’s – personal and professional life and is likely to cause further medical problems as he grows older.

“Given the clear X-ray findings throughout his treatment, there were a number of missed opportunities to try to rectify the problem.

“Simon now just wants to know what went wrong so that he can try to get on with his life.”

Mr Aitcheson said: “My whole life has been turned upside down. No amount of money can compensate for the life-changing circumstances I have had to adjust to.

“Eighteen months ago I had my whole life ahead of me and was working hard and taking my accounts exams. I have had to give this all up now to rebuild my life and make plans for a new future.

“I hope to pick up my course again and complete my training and try to live as much of a normal life as is possible.”

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We are investigating Mr Branfoot’s clinical practice as a result of concerns raised within the Trust. As a result of the concerns raised, the Trust has asked the Royal College of Surgeons to look into a small number of cases of complex trauma surgery in order to have an independent expert professional view of the treatment and outcomes.

“Since this specific case is subject to legal action we cannot make any further comment.”