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Clinical and Medical Negligence: Fracture Claims

A missed fracture could have serious consequences - our medical negligence solicitors can advise if you have suffered as a result.

 

A fracture is an injury to a bone, where the tissue of the bone is broken. Where a bone is fractured, it is important that the fracture is detected and treated, to ensure that complications, such as bone death, osteoarthritis and paralysis do not develop.

 

When a patient presents to a hospital following an injury, the doctor treating should take a full and complete history of the incident, and complete an appropriate examination of the patient. Some fractures are obvious to a medical professional, but others, such as a scaphoid fracture (a fracture in one of the wrist bones) may not be easy to detect.

 

X-rays should be carried out in every case where a fracture is suspected. At least two views should be taken. Failure to do this could result in fractures being missed, or the extent of displacement being misjudged.

 

Below, we have outlined two of the most common types of missed fracture. You may have suffered because a different type of fracture has been missed by medical professionals. If you would like to discuss your case with one of our medical negligence solicitors, call us on 01924 882000 or email clinical.negligence@switalskis.com to arrange your free initial consultation.

 

Commonly missed fractures

Two of the most commonly missed fractures are scaphoid fractures and fractures of the cervical spine (the neck).

 

Scaphoid fractures

The scaphoid is part of the wrist joint, and fractures do not always show up on x-rays. It is commonly caused by falls where the weight falls on the open hand and wrist. Where this kind of fracture is suspected, patients should be instructed to return for a repeat x-ray within 10-14 days of the incident, in order that any fracture can be detected. In cases where scaphoid fractures are undetected, complications can include bone death and osteoarthritis.

 

Cervical Spine (neck) fractures

After a head injury, taking x-rays of the cervical spine is essential. Failure to do so could have serious consequences, if there is a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae. Complications could include spinal cord damage, or nerve damage which could ultimately cause paralysis of the limbs or bladder. In some cases, poor x-ray technique means that fractures of the cervical spine are missed. If the lower vertebrae are not shown, injuries to them may go undetected.