A woman who had surgery to relieve back pain was left with no movement in her legs, and impaired bowel and bladder function

Open Justice reports the 2020 operation at Hawke's Bay Hospital took place after an earlier mix-up where her twin sister was prepared for the surgery.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell says the surgeon's technique was inadequate and below the expected standard of care - finding him and Health New Zealand in breach of patient rights.

Insufficient use of imaging technology and incorrect positioning of the patient and instruments were among contributors to the injury.

Caldwell ordered apologies and some of her report's being sent to the Medical Council.