Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by tanya

Risks Of A Missed Occult Fracture

 

Can You File A Clinical Negligence Claim?

The risks of a missed occult fracture are the complications that occur further down the line. An occult fracture is known to be elusive and easy to miss. This is because they are sometimes too small or positioned in a way which is difficult to spot. However, if you have had a nagging pain that won’t go away, it may be worth getting a second opinion on a possible occult fracture.

But the real problem lies if this type of fracture remains undiagnosed. This can result in a range of complications from improper healing to chronic pain. If you, or a loved one,  have suffered from a missed occult fracture, you may be eligible to make a clinical negligence claim.

First Personal Injury may be able to help you. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

Which Bones Are Most Likely to Have an Occult Fracture?

 

Occult fractures are hidden or difficult to spot fractures on an x-ray. They require more advanced imaging techniques, such as a MRI or CT scan to be identified. While an occult fracture can technically happen anywhere, there are a few bones that are particularly prone to them:

Scaphoid Bone (Wrist) – This small bone in the wrist is notorious for occult fractures. A fall onto an outstretched hand is a classic way to injure it. But  it doesn’t always show up on an initial X-ray and can go undetected for weeks. If left untreated, it can lead to a condition called avascular necrosis. This is where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply.

 

Femur (Thigh Bone) – The femoral neck, which connects the femur to the hip, is another common site for occult fractures. These fractures are particularly dangerous for older adults, as they can lead to serious mobility issues if not treated promptly.

 

Tibia (Shin Bone) – Stress fractures in the tibia, often seen in runners or athletes, may not be visible on an X-ray at first. They can cause persistent pain and may worsen over time if not properly diagnosed.

 

Ribs – Rib fractures can be tricky to spot. This is especially if they are small or located in an area that is difficult to image. Missed rib fractures may cause complications like punctured lungs or chronic pain.

 

Vertebrae  – Small fractures in the spine, often seen in osteoporosis patients, may be overlooked. These can cause significant pain and even spinal deformities if not treated.

 

How To Diagnose An Occult Fracture

 

The tricky part about an occult fracture is that the symptoms—pain, swelling, and tenderness—are pretty much the same as any other bone injury. Since the X-ray may appear normal, doctors might assume it’s just a sprain or soft tissue injury and send the patient home with painkillers and a “rest up” recommendation.

However, if a patient continues to have pain after a few weeks, they may return to the doctor, at which point a second X-ray, MRI, or CT scan might finally reveal the fracture. The problem is that by this time, complications like poor healing, nonunion (where the bone fails to heal), or even arthritis could already be setting in.

 

What Happens if an Occult Fracture is Missed?

Missing an occult fracture isn’t just an inconvenience—it can lead to serious long-term problems, including:

 

• Chronic Pain – If a fracture isn’t properly immobilized, the bone may not heal correctly, leading to persistent pain that can last for months or even years.
• Nonunion or Delayed Union – Sometimes, a missed fracture won’t heal properly at all, requiring surgery to fix it later on.
• Avascular Necrosis – In cases like scaphoid fractures, missing the injury can cut off blood supply to the bone, causing it to die and collapse.
• Reduced Mobility – Especially in fractures of the hip or spine, untreated breaks can lead to permanent mobility issues and disability.
• Complications Like Nerve Damage – If a fracture is near a nerve, untreated swelling or movement can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.

When Can You File a Clinical Negligence Claim?

If a doctor or hospital fails to diagnose an occult fracture, and that failure leads to serious complications, you may have grounds for a clinical negligence claim. You will need to prove that the medical professional breached the standard duty of care.

Such a breach may involve the doctor misinterpreted the x-ray, did not order additional imaging when you were suffering from on-going pain, or did not follow up properly. You will have to show that the failure directly led to harm. It is not enough if just the fracture was missed.

If you or a loved one, has suffered complications due to a miss occult fracture, it is essential to speak to a medical negligence lawyer who will assess your case.

First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.