Compensation for Missed Hip Fracture

Jodi Newton

Failure to diagnose fractured hip

Our client, LR, was 69 years old when she suffered a fall at home and was taken to the A&E Department at Basildon University Hospital. She later brought a clinical negligence claim due to delays in diagnosing a fractured right femur.

Incorrectly told there was no fracture

At A&E, LR was assessed by an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and an X-ray was ordered. The notes stated “x-ray right femur query fractured right leg,” yet both the radiographer and the practitioner failed to identify the injury—an undisplaced sub-capital fracture of the right hip.

LR was incorrectly told she had no fracture, only bruising and ligament damage. The working diagnosis was a soft tissue injury to the right thigh. She was advised to go home and mobilise, and was given crutches and pain relief. Critically, the X-ray report was not sent to her GP.

Co-codamol prescribed

Still in considerable pain, LR contacted her GP after her medication ran out. As the GP had received no communication from the hospital, he prescribed stronger painkillers (co-codamol) based on her symptoms alone.

Later that month, LR returned to A&E by ambulance. She reported that she was still unable to bear weight and now had swelling in her right leg. Again, she was assessed by an Emergency Nurse Practitioner and told no further X-rays were needed. Staff suspected a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and LR was prescribed warfarin. She was discharged—still in agony—and referred to the DVT clinic.

Incorrect treatment and ongoing pain

An ultrasound ruled out DVT, and the anticoagulant medication was discontinued. Despite ongoing swelling and pain, no one re-examined her hip. During a further GP visit, only her lower leg was X-rayed, and again no change in her condition was noted.

Five weeks after her fall, LR continued to rely on crutches. She experienced a dull ache and cramping in her hip, had oedema, and still could not walk unaided. Her GP requested an urgent MRI scan, but the hospital radiology department refused.

Hip fracture finally diagnosed

Another week passed. Still in pain and unable to sleep or mobilise without crutches, LR returned to her GP. The GP, still without access to the A&E X-rays, observed an antalgic gait and poor mobility in the right leg, and ordered an urgent hip X-ray.

This time, the fracture was finally diagnosed. The injury had worsened due to the earlier advice to mobilise—she now had a displaced fracture and a shattered femur.

LR required a total hip replacement under the care of a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. She was discharged home on crutches, attended multiple follow-up appointments, and began physiotherapy.

Impact on daily life

Due to her injury, LR needed care and assistance from her husband and daughters. She could not use stairs and had to sleep in an armchair downstairs. She relied on a commode and needed help washing. She was also unable to drive or cycle, which significantly affected her independence and mental health. Her anxiety worsened due to the delay in diagnosis and unnecessary suffering.

She had also been prescribed rivaroxaban for two weeks to treat a DVT she never had—exposing her to unnecessary risk.

Full hip replacement required

As a result of the delayed diagnosis and inappropriate advice to mobilise, LR’s condition deteriorated. What had originally been an undisplaced fracture, treatable with three cannulated screws, progressed to a more serious injury requiring full hip replacement. She now walks with a slight limp and is expected to require a revision hip replacement in 15 years.

5-figure out-of-court settlement

Osbornes Law secured a five-figure out-of-court settlement on LR’s behalf, recognising the pain, distress, and life disruption she suffered due to avoidable medical failings.

Speak to a Medical Negligence Solicitor

If you or a loved one has suffered due to delayed diagnosis or poor treatment, our experienced medical negligence solicitors are here to help. We will listen to your experience, review your case, and provide clear, compassionate advice on whether you could bring a claim.

To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811

Related services:

• Orthopaedic Negligence Claims
• Missed fracture compensation claims