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Suffering a broken bone is not just painful but can also disrupt daily life, often requiring hours in A&E for an X-ray, diagnosis and a follow-up at the fracture clinic, where treatment such as a cast may be necessary.

However, if a fracture goes undetected, the impact can be far more severe, potentially leading to complications and lasting damage.

How does a delay in treatment of a missed fracture affect recovery?

Failing to treat a fracture promptly can lead to complications that require more intensive care. You may need to wear a cast for longer or even undergo surgery to stabilise the bone.

Delays can also increase the risk of lasting issues, including:

• Chronic pain
• Nerve damage
• Osteoarthritis, where untreated fractures contribute to joint damage and cartilage breakdown
• Malunion or nonunion, where the bone heals incorrectly or fails to heal, potentially causing deformity or restricted movement
• Muscle atrophy, as prolonged immobility weakens the surrounding muscles, making rehabilitation more difficult
• Circulatory problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can develop due to reduced mobility during recovery

What causes fractures to be missed in the first place?

If a doctor examines your injury and believes it to be a sprain or soft tissue damage, an X-ray is unlikely to be arranged. Instead, you’ll typically be advised to rest and allow time for recovery, with the expectation that symptoms will ease within a few days.

However, if a fracture has been overlooked, it will not mend on its own, potentially leading to some of the issues listed in the previous section.

Missed or misread X-rays

In some cases, a fracture is visible on the initial X-ray but goes unnoticed by the doctor, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Alternatively, the fracture may not be immediately apparent and only becomes clear on a follow-up X-ray when symptoms persist and further imaging is required.

Why are missed fractures so common in the North East of England?

It may seem surprising that fractures are overlooked, especially given the reliability of X-rays in diagnosing bone injuries. However, with the NHS under significant pressure from funding constraints, overcrowded hospitals and staff shortages, errors can and do occur.

What do I do if I suspect a missed fracture / broken bone diagnosis in Teesside?

If you believe a doctor may have overlooked a fracture during your NHS hospital visit, taking action promptly can help prevent complications.

• If pain, swelling or restricted movement persist or worsen despite following the initial advice, this may suggest an undiagnosed fracture.
• Return to the hospital or visit another healthcare provider, such as a GP or private clinic, to express your concerns and request a reassessment.
• A repeat X-ray, CT scan or MRI may be necessary to identify fractures that were previously missed.
• Document your symptoms, any deterioration and details of previous medical assessments in case you need to escalate the issue or make a complaint.
• Consider legal advice.

Seek legal advice if you believe a misdiagnosed fracture caused further harm

If a missed fracture has led to unnecessary pain, delayed recovery or further medical complications, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.

A solicitor specialising in medical negligence can assess your case, gather medical evidence and advise on your legal options. Compensation can help cover additional medical costs, loss of earnings and the impact on your quality of life.

Middlesbrough & Redcar-based Askews Solicitors are experts in medical negligence and can help you pursue missed fracture compensation

If you suffered as a result of a misdiagnosis of a broken bone, or if the fracture was missed entirely, we can advise you on your options. We provide no-commitment initial consultations, and we may be able to represent you on a No Win No Fee basis.

Visit Medical Negligence Claims to learn more about what we do or simply Contact Us to speak with a solicitor.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.