I not too long ago settled a declare for a shopper who had ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our shopper developed a critical spinal wire damage following a comparatively minor fall in his backyard.
AS is an inflammatory situation, primarily affecting the backbone. It may possibly trigger ache and stiffness and over time result in among the bones of the backbone fusing. Victims are extra susceptible to spinal fractures, cauda equina syndrome and heart problems. It is rather essential that medical practitioners give due weight to AS when treating sufferers for different situations and recognise absolutely the elevated dangers which might be related to it.
As a medical negligence solicitor, I’m conscious that this isn’t all the time the case and this will have a devastating affect. Right here I look in additional element at this situation and the medical negligence dangers.
AS is a type of spinal arthritis. The trigger is just not identified, however there’s an obvious hyperlink to a selected gene variant (HLA-B27). The principle signs are again ache and stiffness, however AS can even result in arthritis in different components of the physique in addition to fatigue. In extreme instances the bones within the backbone could develop collectively, resulting in a inflexible and rigid backbone.
Ankylosing spondylitis and cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a uncommon complication of AS. It may possibly happen when the nerves on the backside of the backbone develop into compressed. The signs of growing cauda equina can embrace leg ache or numbness, numbness within the saddle space and an alteration to urinary operate. It’s vital that cauda equina is recognized and handled shortly, in any other case it may possibly result in critical long-term incapacity, together with restricted mobility and issues with incontinence. If there’s a delay in prognosis, referral or remedy, then there could also be a declare for medical negligence. My colleague Richard Lodge has written concerning the pointers for referral in cauda equina instances right here. There may be additionally extra details about cauda equina compensation claims on our related webpage.
Missed fractures and compensation
In these affected by AS, osteoporosis can develop within the backbone, rising the danger of fracturing the bones within the again. Because of this these treating a affected person with AS, following an accident for instance, should be alive to the elevated dangers concerned. As above, sufferers with AS could expertise spinal fractures even after minor accidents. Fractures could be troublesome to detect on customary radiographs. If a fracture is missed, this will have extraordinarily critical penalties, together with neurological deterioration resulting in paraplegia.
In such conditions there could also be a medical negligence declare for compensation. The quantity of compensation concerned could be very important the place the damage is critical and results in the necessity for lifelong care and remedy. If a affected person requires diversifications to their lodging or to maneuver to a property that meets their wants, the related prices might be able to be claimed.
Imaginative and prescient modifications
Iritis (or acute anterior uveitis) is a situation which is usually related to AS. It may possibly result in redness and sensitivity of the eyes together with blurred imaginative and prescient. It’s once more very important that swift prognosis is made as with out immediate remedy the situation can lead to an entire lack of imaginative and prescient. A affected person with suspected iritis who attends at their GP must be urgently referred to an ophthalmologist. If there’s a negligent delay then as soon as once more there could also be a declare for medical negligence.
How we might help
The crew at Kingsley Napley are extremely skilled in coping with complicated claims for medical negligence together with these regarding critical spinal accidents and failures in prognosis. We’re nicely versed in acquiring specialist unbiased skilled proof and in bringing arguments that there have been failures by medical practitioners to correctly recognise or give ample weight to an underlying situation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
When you’ve got any questions or considerations concerning the points raised on this weblog, please contact Aideen McGarry or any member of the Medical Negligence and Private Harm crew.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aideen McGarry is a Senior Affiliate within the Medical Negligence and Private Harm Division. Aideen has expertise engaged on high-value medical negligence and private damage claims.
