Scaphoid (Wrist) Fracture Claims

Fractures to the scaphoid can cause particular problems if not diagnosed quickly and as such delays in diagnosis and treatment can give rise to claims for clinical negligence.

Claims for failures in respect of scaphoid fractures tend to be against A&E departments for a failure to take an x-ray or for a misdiagnosis, such as a sprain, or against radiologists for failing to recognise the injury on imaging.

If a scaphoid fracture is not displaced then treatment may be a cast. However, if displaced then surgery is usually needed to place a pin or screw to secure the bone to enable healing.

The test for diagnosing a scaphoid fracture is to press down on what is called the “anatomic snuffbox” – an area of skin above the scaphoid which is incredibly tender when pressed upon by the A&E staff. This test is a highly sensitive test for scaphoid fracture.

Additionally, A&E doctors sometimes fail to specifically request a “scaphoid view” when they send patients for an x-ray. The scaphoid view means that the affected arm is placed under the x-ray machine so that the affected bone can be clearly seen. Often in cases that we see, the wrong type of x-ray has been requested – leading to the patient being incorrectly advised that they have no fracture.

With a delay in diagnosis, the scaphoid bone may heal in the wrong position causing long term pain and problems with gripping. It is also possible for avascular necrosis to result from a delay in diagnosis. This is where the blood supply to the bone is impeded causing problems. Longer term issues with scaphoid healing can include osteoarthritis.

In order to bring a claim, it must be shown that any delay was unreasonable and led to a worse outcome.