Menu

• Home
• Surgery Negligence
  • Bladder Surgery
  • Bunion Surgery
  • Emergency Surgery
  • Eye Surgery Negligence
  • Knee Surgery Negligence
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
  • Orthopaedic Negligence
  • Surgery Infection
  • Varicose Vein Surgery
• Case Studies
• No Win No Fee
• Our Team
• Medical Negligence
• Free Enquiry

Incorrect Surgery for Fracture Leads to On-going Complications

Attending A & E with a fractured tibia, Marilyn did not expect to be still coping with the after-effects years later.

When she accidentally fell off a chair one day, Marilyn was taken to A & E where she was x-rayed and diagnosed with a tibial shaft fracture. The hospital decided to operate straight away and an intramedullary nail was inserted to stabilise the fracture. Marilyn was prescribed bed rest until a cast could be fitted after 2 - 3 days.

Three days later, however, when Marilyn underwent a CT scan, it became apparent that the wrong type of surgery had been performed. The CT scan and, in fact, the original X-ray showed a lateral tibial plateau fracture which had previously been missed. Marilyn's injury was much more complicated than had been judged at first and required a metal plate to stabilise the injury rather than a nail. The initial x-ray had been misinterpreted and Marilyn would have to undergo a second operation to remove the nail and insert a plate.

Consequently, fifteen days after her first operation, Marilyn underwent a second operation which should not have been necessary had the initial x-ray been competently interpreted.

Marilyn was discharged after five days with a course of antibiotics for a urinary infection. However, she became increasingly concerned that her wounds were weeping pus and she was starting to feel very unwell. Eventually, a week later, she returned to hospital where she was diagnosed with an infection in the wound. Marilyn remained hospitalised for over a month whilst her wound was washed out to try to clear the infection.

Although an infection is a known risk of surgery, there was no sign of infection at the time of Marilyn's first surgical procedure and it is possible that, had the correct procedure been carried out at that time, she may not have experienced the infection-related problems which developed after the second bout of surgery.

As it continued to prove difficult to get the infection under control, and she had to return to hospital yet again, Marilyn eventually required a third procedure to remove the metal work which then allowed the infection to settle.

In addition, Marilyn has continued to have problems with the healing of the wound which has required numerous medical interventions over a period of several years.

Marilyn has been dramatically impacted by the failure to treat her injury appropriately. She continues to suffer with considerable pain and needs two crutches in order to walk when she is outside the house although she manages with a stick indoors.

She has had to make adjustments to her accommodation in order to be able to carry out everyday tasks. In the future it is likely that she will have to move to single storey accommodation.

Furthermore, it is now unlikely that she will be able to have a knee replacement which she had previously been planning due to the risk of further infection.

Glynns supported Marilyn in her claim for compensation for the substandard level of care she received and the on-going symptoms which she continues to experience. She was awarded over £500,000 in compensation.

(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)

Would You Like Assistance from Specialist Surgey Negligence Claims Solicitors?

If you would like to benefit from a service of excellence with total commitment to client care from a small and friendly team, Glynns are ready and waiting to help you.

Early legal assistance is essential. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.