Inaccurate X-rays lead to misdiagnosis and medical negligence claims
Recent research undertaken by US doctors found that standard x-rays fail to spot up to nearly a third of fractures of the hip and pelvis. It seems that relying on standard X-rays alone could lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment and subsequent medical negligence claims.
The research led by Dr Charles Spritzer involved re-checking the X-ray results of 92 patients using a more detailed scanner, called MRI. They found 35 fractures that had been missed.
Delayed diagnosis of fractures
In the study of patients complaining of pain after an injury to the hip or pelvis, 13 with normal X-ray findings were found to have a collective total of 23 fractures seen on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Another 15 patients with abnormal X-rays had 12 additional pelvic fractures seen on MRI that otherwise would not have been identified. And in 11 patients, MRI showed no fracture after X-rays had suggested there might be one.
The researchers say it is worth using MRI as well as an X-ray if doctors are in any doubt, particularly since hip patients tend to be frail and elderly with a higher than average risk of complications and death.
Dr Spritzer said: "Accurate diagnosis of hip and pelvic fractures in the emergency department can speed patients to surgical management, if needed, and reduce the rate of hospital admissions among patients who do not have fractures. Use of MRI in patients with a strong clinical suspicion of traumatic injury but unimpressive X-rays has a substantial advantage in the detection of pelvic and hip fractures."
Susan Brown a medical negligence solicitor from Reading based law firm Boyes Turner said "We do come across medical negligence claims where adequate x-rays fail to reveal a fracture which is subsequently diagnosed weeks or months later. However more often the fracture is missed on x-ray because the wrong view has been taken or the radiologist has negligently failed to notice the fracture on reviewing the x ray. As a result of this negligence patients often suffer far more invasive treatment and a poorer outcome with ongoing disability.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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