Untreated Fractures

Untreated Fractures.

Unfortunately we see all too many cases of fractures left untreated, leaving a patient to suffer severe pain and discomfort. This article explores how fractures can be left untreated, the potential complications, and what you can do if you or a loved one has endured an untreated fracture.

How Can A Fracture Be Left Untreated?

While fractures usually occur as a result of an obvious injury such as a fall or an accident, there are times when a fracture can happen for reasons that are less clear. For example, fractures can arise from repeated stress upon a bone (common in athletes) or from an infection or cyst (common in the elderly).

Because the cause of a fracture is not always apparent, it is important to be aware of the symptoms. These vary depending on the injury, but will generally include:-

* Pain and swelling;

* Bruising or discoloured skin around the bone or joint;

* The limb or affected area of the body is bent at an unusual angle (known as angulation);

* The inability to move or put weight upon the injured part of the body;

* A grinding or grating sensation at the site of injury (known as crepitus).

If someone is experiencing these symptoms it is important to seek medical advice without delay. A medical professional should then confirm whether or not a fracture has been sustained by X-raying the site of injury, before beginning treatment to realign the broken bones.

However, occasionally a fracture is left untreated. This can be for one of two reasons:

1. A fracture is identified but deliberately left untreated.

Some fractures to not need to be treated, as they can be left to recover without the aid of medical interventional. Medical professionals may decide this is the best course of action particularly when small bones are fractured, such as in the toes, feet and hands.

2. A fracture is left untreated by mistake.

A fracture can be left untreated by mistake, either because medical professionals fail to identify a fracture when examining an X-ray, or because an X-ray fails to be performed at all.

What Happens If A Fracture Is Left Untreated?

If a fracture is not properly treated, it can potentially lead to a number of complications, such as:-

* Infection, particularly of the bone or bone marrow. This can develop into a persistent infection called osteomyelitis;

* Permanent nerve damage;

* Deformity or 'malunion' (where the bones heal in the wrong position);

* Rupturing of muscle and/or ligament;

* Blood clots and/or sores;

* Avascular necrosis (where the bone loses its blood supply and dies.)

An untreated fracture can therefore have extremely serious consequences that may result in long-term damage. In the most serious cases, particularly where injuries to the neck are concerned, a fracture left untreated can result in paralysis or even death.

Untreated Fractures and Medical Negligence.

An untreated fracture can cause unnecessary pain and suffering. If you have been deliberately left with an untreated fracture and have suffered permanent problems as a result of the lack of treatment, or if you were mistakenly left with a fracture which resulted in further complications, then you may be able to make a successful medical negligence claim. For more information, you should seek expert legal advice from a medical negligence lawyer.

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn