Failure to Diagnose Charcot Arthropathy leads to Amputation

An ultrasound was performed, which came back negative for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Despite this investigation, a diagnosis of DVT was made.

A repeat ultrasound and x-ray of her foot was taken 12 days later, which showed no evidence of a DVT.  Unfortunately, this X-ray was not reported or considered by treating clinicians until over 2 months later.  The X-ray clearly showed that Carol had fractured a bone in her foot, but due to the hospital clinicians’ failure to consider this, this was not known at the time and Carol continued to weight-bear on her foot.  Due to this error, Carol mobilised on her ankle for 2 months, by which point she began to suffer from ulceration.  This led to osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) and sadly, Carol ultimately required a below-knee amputation.

A diagnosis of Charcot’s Arthropathy (a condition causing weakness in the bones of diabetic patients) was only made over 2 months after the initial ultrasound investigation.

Upon being discharged from hospital, Carol had to have physiotherapy and had an artificial limb fitted – her quality of life was significantly impaired.

With the assistance of medical negligence lawyers Leena Savjani and Sue Tyson, Carol pursued a claim against the NHS Trust for failing to diagnose her condition.  It was contended that if the Trust had correctly diagnosed Carol’s condition, she would have avoided the need for an amputation.

Court proceedings were issued against the NHS Trust.  It was admitted that the x-ray should have been reviewed and have led to further enquiry, examination and investigation, which would have led to the correct diagnosis.  However, it was denied that this caused the need for amputation.

Carol’s solicitors obtained expert evidence which was supportive of her case and was able to achieve settlement for her.  Carol was awarded compensation in the sum of £250,000.