Bone Tumour Claim - 7 Month Delay

DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS OF BONE TUMOUR; AMPUTATION;

F v HOLLINGSWORTH (2007)

Aged 52 F's knee pain was investigated. An x ray was taken however the x ray was not reviewed by her consultant. F was diagnosed as suffering from osteoarthritis and was treated with arthroscopy and physiotherapy.

7 months later F's knee pain was investigated by further x ray. A lesion was noted and following MRI scan bone tumour diagnosed.

F underwent extra articular resection and following recurrence of cancer a year later an above knee amputation.

F died aged 60 of lung tumour unrelated to the delay in diagnosis of bone tumour.

BREACH OF DUTY

If was F's case that her consultant should have reviewed her x ray. This was admitted.

CAUSATION

It was F's case that had the x ray been reviewed she would have been diagnosed with bone cancer 7 months earlier at a time when treatment would have avoided her subsequent recurrence and need for above knee amputation. It was denied that earlier treatment would have avoided the amputation.

OUTCOME

The case was settled for £50,000.