Scaphoid Fracture Missed By A&E
Was your wrist fracture missed by the A&E department, causing you to suffer long-term complications? If so, you could be entitled to pursue a claim against those at fault. Contact us for more information.
Scaphoid wrist fractures
A scaphoid fracture is a type of wrist fracture. It is a common injury, particularly in people under the age of 40. It often happens when someone instinctively extends their arm during a fall, causing the wrist to take the brunt of the force upon impact with the floor.
Although scaphoid fractures are frequently seen in A&E, the injury is actually quite difficult to diagnose. This is because the fracture cannot always be seen on a single x-ray image. Instead, four different x-ray angles are needed to ensure the whole scaphoid bone is fully visualised.
Even with all the necessary x-rays, it can be hard to detect a scaphoid fracture, especially if the injury has only just been sustained. If the signs of a scaphoid fracture are present but the broken bone is not visible on the x-ray, medical practitioners should proceed with caution. This involves putting the wrist in plaster to immobilise the joint. The patient should then be asked to return to hospital in two weeks for repeat x-rays.
After two weeks the fracture should be visible on the x-ray images. If so, the patient can undergo the relevant treatment.
Delayed diagnosis of scaphoid fracture
Unfortunately there are occasions when a patient sustains a scaphoid fracture but the injury is missed by the A&E department. As described above, it is excusable to miss a scaphoid fracture when the patient first attends hospital, as the injury cannot always be seen at this stage.
However, even if the injury cannot be seen, it should be suspected and followed-up. This means putting the patient in plaster and organising repeat x-rays within two weeks. If this is not done, it can considerably delay the diagnosis. The consequences of a delay can be serious, because if a scaphoid fracture is not treated within four weeks, the patient will have to undergo a surgical repair. Failing to suspect a scaphoid fracture and arrange a follow-up is not acceptable and could amount to medical negligence.
The same applies if the patient returns to hospital but the fracture is not detected during their second attendance. The patient may return because he/she has been asked to as part of a follow-up, or because they have been told it is just a sprain but the pain has prompted them to seek further medical advice.
As discussed above, a scaphoid fracture should be visible during the patient's second attendance at hospital. If the fracture is missed for a second time (or third, fourth etc.), it will be considered unacceptable. Again, if this delay means that a patient must undergo surgery instead of conservative treatment, there could be a case of medical negligence.
Scaphoid fracture left untreated
A delay in treating a scaphoid fracture is bad because the bone will have started to knit back together, but it will align in the wrong position. This is called malalignment. That is why surgery will be needed, as the bone will have to be re-broken and put back into its correct position.
The situation will be even worse if the fracture is left completely, as there is a chance that the injury will become necrotic. When something becomes necrotic, it means that it is dead. More specifically, avascular necrosis is when bone tissue dies.
Avascular necrosis will happen when a scaphoid fracture is not treated because the blood supply to the bone will be disrupted. Blood carries oxygen to the bones and tissues, and without it they cannot live. Therefore without a sufficient blood supply, the bone and tissue will die.
Avascular necrosis is extremely serious and will severely damage the bone, resulting in a degree of bone loss. Surgery can be attempted to rebuild the bone, but there will certainly be a loss of function. This can be very painful, and can have a devastating impact upon a patient's life.
If you developed avascular necrosis because your wrist fracture was left untreated for too long, you could be the victim of medical negligence.
Claiming for missed wrist fracture
If your scaphoid fracture was missed, resulting in disastrous consequences, you will want to know what happened and if anyone is to blame. Speaking to a medical negligence solicitor can help you discover these answers.
After discussing the details of your care, a solicitor can advise whether or not you have been the victim of medical negligence. Medical negligence is when the standard of care provided falls below what is considered reasonable. Examples include:
- Failing to immobilise and follow-up a suspected scaphoid fracture
- Failing to detect a scaphoid fracture upon the patient's return to hospital
- Failing to treat a scaphoid fracture in time, necessitating a surgical repair
- Failing to treat a scaphoid fracture, resulting in avascular necrosis
If medical negligence caused you to experience prolonged pain and suffering, and had a negative impact upon your long-term prognosis, you could be eligible to pursue compensation.
Compensation for your damages
Your compensation settlement will be made up of two different elements. The first is general damages, and this is intended to reflect the pain and suffering you have wrongfully experienced. This can vary greatly, as sometimes there will be a few extra weeks of pain and suffering, while others will be left with permanent discomfort due to the bone damage. There can also be long-term loss of function which can be very troubling, affecting everything from getting dressed to typing on a computer.
The second element is special damages. This reflects the money you have lost as a result of your injuries. Again, this can be significant as your injuries may force you to give up work, or reduce your working hours.
Expert legal advice
To find out more about claiming compensation for a missed fracture, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors.
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