Settlement obtained for delayed diagnosis of septic arthritis

Julie Crossley, Medical Negligence claim specialist, has obtained £105,000 for Ms L who, following an accident, suffered a delayed diagnosis of septic arthritis in her knee.

Ms L, who has a history of knee problems, injured both legs after falling down the stairs. She was treated in A&E. After the initial tests, Ms L underwent a right knee arthroscopy and debridement of a torn ligament.

After a second procedure to reconstruct the internal ligaments, Ms L contacted the out-of-hours doctors as she was struggling with pain. After an x-ray, there was a mention of septic arthritis. She was supposed to have a washout of the knee, but this did not take place. She was advised by the surgeon that the knee did not look infected and she was discharged despite a high temperature and signs of infection.

Ms L suffered unbearable pain for more than a week before she was readmitted with suspected septic arthritis. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics in hospital for a few days before being discharged with oral antibiotics.

As a result of the injury and delayed treatment of septic arthritis, Ms L has been left with ongoing knee problems, constant pain and stiffness, and now cannot walk or stand for long periods.

Julie comments: “Ms L has been left in constant pain following the failure to diagnose an infection, which will continue to affect her quality of life. With earlier treatment, the long-term effects on Ms L could have been avoided.”

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