How can it happen?

Missed fractures can happen in a variety of ways. This is often, but not always, within the Accident & Emergency setting. Mistakes can include:

  • Incorrect diagnosis of tissue injury despite tell-tale signs of fracture;
  • Failure to request an x-ray or other scans;
  • Missing a fracture on an x-ray or other scans;
  • The x-ray being done from the wrong angle meaning the fracture couldn’t be seen.

Potential complications

There can be many complications and consequences of a missed fracture. They include:

  • Long-term pain and stiffness
  • Increased pressure within one of the body’s anatomical compartments resulting in Compartment Syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
  • Fat Embolism
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Amputation

If you’re worried that a fracture may have been missed and/or are suffering from any symptoms that concern you like ongoing pain, numbness, dizziness, selling, bruising or deformity you should seek medical attention.

How we can help

Because missed fractures can involve prolonged suffering and more serious and complex outcomes, there can often be financial consequences, and increased care and rehabilitation needs.

Our team of specialist orthopaedic clinical negligence lawyers are here to help if you or your loved have suffered in this way.

We can help you get the answers you need if you think that something might have gone wrong.

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