Accident and emergency department fails to diagnose severed hand tendon

01/06/2011

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who successfully settled a case involving a failure to diagnose rupture of the deep flexor tendons of the right little and ring fingers, obtaining £27,500 compensation.

The patient attended the A&E department of the local hospital with a laceration to his dominant right hand having cut this on a knife whilst doing the washing up. Despite raising concerns about the depth of the cut, no investigation was undertaken and the soft tissue wound was stitched and he was sent home. Whilst the cut healed, he remained unable to bend his fingers and he was seen at the fracture clinic 14 weeks later where a complete rupture of the deep flexor tendons to the right little and ring fingers was confirmed. 

The patient was referred to and seen by a specialist who confirmed that the tendons had shrunk and that more extensive surgery was required. This involved a two stage process, with the first operation being performed in December, followed by physiotherapy and the second operation being performed in February.

Thankfully, the surgery resulted in a significant improvement, but the patient was left with hyperextension laxity in the ring finger which resulted in it locking in a 'swan neck' position.

Our orthopaedic expert confirmed that had diagnosis been made at the A&E attendance, he would have required only one operation and would have been spared the protracted period of recovery and the 'swan neck' deformity which was likely to require further surgery in the future. Psychiatric opinion was also obtained, which confirmed that the patient had suffered a prolonged depressive adjustment disorder due to the delay in treatment which had prevented him in participating in school and social activities.

Read more about our experience in cases involving orthopaedic and spinal injury.

Graham Bell specialises in orthopaedic cases. If you would like to ask Graham a question about a potential case involving orthopaedic complication or you have a general query about medical negligence contact her on 01892 701358 in confidence. 

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.