A 37-year-old Bath woman has been awarded £32,000 in compensation after undergoing an unnecessary thumb operation due to a series of misdiagnoses and a baffling surgical error at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH).
The woman injured her thumb after tripping while watching a rugby game. Initially, she was treated at A&E where staff suggested a possible broken thumb due to swelling and bruising. She was sent home with a splint but later informed her thumb was not broken. She was referred to a hand specialist, only to discover her appointment was with a knee surgeon who correctly diagnosed soft-tissue damage but failed to provide further clarity.
Despite the initial diagnosis, her pain and swelling persisted, leading to a second consult at the hand clinic where she was told surgery was necessary. The operation was delayed but eventually took place, only to be stopped mid-procedure when it became clear the ligaments were not ruptured and surgery was not required.
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Following the operation, the woman continued to suffer from pain, swelling, and bruising, along with sensory problems near the surgical scar, which affected her arm movement. She was later diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a chronic painful condition often triggered by surgery.
The NHS Trust initially denied full responsibility but later admitted the surgery was unwarranted and agreed to the financial settlement. Reflecting on her experience, the woman expressed frustration over delays and mismanagement, stating her thumb’s condition has deteriorated and will never fully recover.
Hudgell Solicitors, who represented her, highlighted the unusual circumstances of the case, emphasizing that the correct diagnosis came from a knee surgeon and criticising the avoidable errors leading up to the operation. They called on the Trust to improve protocols by insisting on second opinions when there is doubt about the necessity of surgery.
RUH issued an apology for the patient’s prolonged pain and acknowledged that diagnosing ligament injuries can be complex. They accepted that surgical exploration was unnecessary in this case, emphasizing the delicate balance of risks and benefits in surgery.
This case underscores the critical importance of accurate diagnosis and cautious decision-making in medical treatment to prevent needless procedures and long-term harm.