I am shocked at the incorrect and potentially harmful advice given to my daughter when presenting a suspected fracture to the scafoid (wrist). X-Rays were inconclusive (apparently common with these breaks) so she was given a splint to wear and was told to remove it in the evenings and flex her wrist, then come back in 7-10 days if still in pain. The nurse said she would be able to continue with her sports activities as long as they did not need the use of her hands (e.g. netball). Nine days later, X-Rays were again inconclusive but because specific movements were painful she was referred to the orthopaedic clinic at Trafford General a week later. When there (before X-Rays were taken for a third time) the consultant pressed points on her wrist and was confident that it was broken. He said she should have been put in a cast at the initial assessment as unsupported scafoid injuries can lead to long term problems! Her scafoid was chipped and she is now in a cast for four weeks; she has been told to avoid all sports activities in case of injury to her other wrist. At the time I was impressed with the service my daughter received but having heard how wrong the advice has been I feel I ought to write about this. Finally, worryingly, my friend’s son has been to Altrincham Minor Injuries with two separate breaks, on two different occasions, and these were both missed. She wrote to complain after the second incident but did not receive a reply. I will never return to Altrincham Minor Injuries with a suspected fracture.
"Missed diagnosis of a fracture"
About: Altrincham General Hospital Altrincham General Hospital WA14 1PE
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