Routine operation leaves man with deformed arm

A surgeon bungled an arm operation resulting in the patient having a deformed arm and an infection.

When Michael attended the A&E, an x-ray confirmed that he had two fractures. A fractured radius (bone in the arm aligned with the little finger) and a fractured ulna (a bone in the forearm aligned with the thumb).

He was told that he would have to undergo a routine operation where the fractures would be reduced and fixed with a pin and plates.

The following day he underwent the operation and was in plaster for several weeks.

It wasn't until the plaster was removed that it became clear that the operation had been done incorrectly. His arm was deformed and he had poor mobility in his hand. The bones had been set at the wrong angles and his wound was infected and had an abscess.

Michael had to undergo corrective surgery so that his forearm could be fixed in the correct position. The infected dead tissue had to be removed and the abscess drained.

He also suffered radial nerve palsy from the first operation. This meant he had to have a third operation to try and repair the nerve damage. The operation did improve things but he has effectively lost the use of his hand which affects his work and home life.

The Clinical Negligence team at Bond Pearce investigated Michaels claim and were able to prove that the NHS trust had indeed been negligent. They not only performed an operation without due care and attention but also failed to check Michael post-operatively to confirm that the operation was a success.

The team secured him £17,500 in compensation.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650