We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Fractured ankle

This is my first post so apologies if i get it wrong in advance, i had an accident in my home on the 15th June at 5am. I went to my local hospital by 6am. Seen by a doctor, had xray and i was told that i had not broken my ankle, just sprained it. Doctor told me to go home, take a common over the counter pain relief and rest. My foot was in a bad way and in a lot of pain, unable to bear weight. Made appt to see a doctor privately who deals with sports injuries for Fri 19th June. Recieved a letter from my local hospital on the 19th June,asking me to contact them as the xray had been reviewed, and it was possible i had fractured my ankle. This was the case, i had fractured the LATERAL MALLEOLUS. So for 4 days i was not in plaster, and in a lot of pain. I now have a cast on and i am NoN Weight Bearing untill the 29th June. I feel very let down by the hospital and in particular very concearned that xrays are not being diagnosed correctly. I am considering a formal complaint to the trust etc, i have four children all delivered normally. This pain was as bad and for much longer, recovery is approx 8 weeks. Any suggestions folks ??

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 25 June 2009 at 3:22PM
    X-rays are interpreted by people. People sometimes miss things. No-one works at 100% success rate.

    I think it's encouraging that a system is in place to double (or even triple) check diagnoses, and that the hospital got back to you very quickly and you're now being treated correctly.

    Whether it was a one off, or whether there is a bad radiographer there is hard to say.

    I think you're entitled to an explaination, but remember they DID do the right thing in the end.

    Some fractures are missed completely.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • Unfortunately fractures can be very difficult to spot. For this reason x-rays are generally checked by both a radiographer and a doctor but even so some are missed - it can be a tiny, tiny line to spot on a screen. TBH I would have thought it unlikely that having it out of plaster for a few days would make a huge difference to the healing time as you say you weren't putting weight on it? I'd just be glad they spotted it themselves - they've obvouisly got a good checking system in place. You have my sympathy, though, as I spent four day with a fractured wrist out of plaster and wouldn't like to repeat the experience.
    Slimming World convert, joined 23rd April 2009
    Lost so far: 3 stone 1 1/2 lb :beer:
    SOTW: 7/5/9, 28/5/9 & 16/7/9
    Club 10: 25/6/9 :A

    Hoppity : Hoppity : Hoppity : Hop
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.7K Life & Family
  • 262.3K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.