THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 26 A attended hospital having cut his right hand. The wound was repaired with three stitches.

C's recollection was that he was asked whether he could move his finger and that he replied that he could feel it.

The notes recorded that C could move his finger.

Eight days later when C was having his stitches removed the district nurse was concerned that C could not move the tip of his finger.

C was reviewed by GP referred to hospital and underwent tendon repair.

A month after repair the plaster cast was removed and C was noted to have a fixed flexion deformity. This was confirmed on assessment by plastic surgeon. C underwent tendon graft. C has stiffness and restriction of movement of his finger.

It was C's case that his tendon damage should have been diagnosed at initial hospital appointment or he should have been referred for further investigations resulting in earlier diagnosis.

It was C's case that earlier diagnosis would have resulted in earlier corrective treatment and his long term problems avoided.

Liability was denied however the case settled without trial for £11,000.