The client fell onto his outstretched hand as he was playing football. He attended A&E and, following an examination, was advised that there was no bone injury. Tubi-grip was applied, and he was given painkillers and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). No x-rays were performed.
Twelve months later, the pain persisted, and the client returned to his GP, at which point an x-ray was performed. This confirmed a fracture of the scaphoid – the largest bone beneath the thumb and above the wrist. An arthroscopy and MRI scan followed ten months later, which revealed vascular necrosis (bone death through lack of blood supply) at the site of the injury and displacement of the lunate, the bone next to the damaged scaphoid. He underwent a partial fusion of the wrist, and whilst there was some initial reduction of pain, the client was required to undergo a total wrist fusion which resulted in no wrist motion and reduced grip strength.
Damages were sought on the basis that the initial diagnosis was incorrect. The doctor at the A&E Department failed to check the wrist for movement and pain and failed to request a series of x-rays, resulting in the fracture being missed.
The case settled and the client received compensation, which included payment for loss of earnings.