What to Do if a Doctor Misdiagnoses a Scaphoid Fracture
Each of us tends to live a busy life on a day-to-day basis. Whether you are rushing your kids to school or preparing for an upcoming sports event, you are always on the edge of your seat and ready for the next challenge that comes your way. Obviously, as we rush about our day, some of you might be so intensely focused on an activity that you don’t realize you have been injured. However, imagine the pain and anxiety that stems from a scaphoid fracture, a break in the small wrist bones, which can ultimately drive a wedge into your day.
Now, imagine that you have gone to the doctor for wrist pain, he or she has sent you home for a sprain, and you realize you cannot move your hand. In this case, you get a second opinion and learn your fracture was misdiagnosed. If you have ended up in this predicament, do not panic and try to keep calm. Resources are at your disposal. With the help of an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in medical malpractice lawsuits, you can easily create a viable case in court.
THE DELICATE NATURE OF A SCAPHOID FRACTURE
A scaphoid fracture (also called a navicular fracture) is a breakage on one or more of the small carpal bones in the wrist. The most common symptom of this injury includes pain and tenderness in a section of your hand just below the base of the thumb. Keep in mind that this discomfort will intensify if you attempt to make a pinching motion or grab an object.
Overall, the nature of the scaphoid fracture largely depends on which portion of the wrist bones have been injured. Most common breaks occur in the “waist,” the middle section of the wrist. Here are the two common categories for scaphoid fractures:
- Displaced: Fragments of the bone have been shoved out of the normal positioning, causing gaps or severe breaks.
- Non-displaced: Fragments of the bone are still lined up in proper order.
TREATING THE SCAPHOID FRACTURE
As part of an exam, a doctor will discuss general health and current symptoms (swelling, bruising, or loss of motion), and will have a patient undergo a variety of tests, including:
- X-rays: Projects pictures of dense structures like bones, allowing doctors to see breaks easily.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A more intense test that will help the doctor inspect soft tissues, as well as hard structures.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: May reveal the intensity of a fracture and also help the doctors determine if the victim suffered bone displacement.
Ultimately, the treatment will vary depending on the intensity of the injury. If the patient has sustained a minor injury (for example, near the thumb), the doctor may set a cast or a splint. On the other hand, for more intense injuries, surgery may be the only option. However, the scaphoid region does not receive an adequate blood supply, which makes healing particularly lengthy and tricky.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE OPTIONS FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS
Under the State Law of Delaware, patients will have rights for compensation, based on specific criteria surrounding the misdiagnosis. Keep in mind that, under Chapter 68-subsection 6852, patients will not have the right to receive compensation if a related procedure or treatment option was not part of an emergency situation, under the circumstances that the doctor provided small quantities of information in a manner that is customary to their practice.
YOUR DELAWARE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY
For men and women suffering from scaphoid fractures, your entire lives can definitely be put on hold due to the nature of your injury. However, in the case of a misdiagnosed scaphoid fracture, your life can become a nightmare due to the severity of your condition. No one should be put in so much danger at any time. Here at Edelstein, Martin & Nelson, our team of professional attorneys are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate malpractice incidences throughout the State of Delaware. We can guarantee you will receive the justice you deserve. For legal advice and for more information about our services, contact our office today at 800-300-0909.