Following its tight rules, ACC refused a 15-year-old girl essential hip surgery.

ACC declared that the girl had a pre-existing hip condition, but she is just one of a wave of unhappy accident victims who have been denied surgery.

Twins Amber and Mariah Haddock, identical twins, differ in respect that Amber desperately needs a hip operation.

“Amber injured her hip playing netball, but because she has a pre-existing hip condition, ACC won't pay. That's the way our legislation is framed. It's for accident-related things, things that happen because of accidents, not the conditions you had before your accident", said ACC's Dr Kevin Morris.

"Amber definitely needs help, and I'm sure the public health system will be able to move in and help her there", said Dr Norris.

Christchurch MP Jim Anderton said, "The typical patient being rejected is fit and well, and has been involved in occupations like the construction industry up until the time of their injury”.

ACC Director, Operations, Graham Bashford rejected the accusation that it was turning down legitimate claims and forcing people to go to review.