Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust apologises to motocross rider after failing to diagnose spinal fracture

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust made a formal apology as it admitted the delay in diagnosis left the teenager suffering pain which could have been avoided. 

The rider, who we are referring to as Adam, was 17 when he was seriously injured in a motocross crash in May 2021.  

After attempting a jump during an event, Adam landed heavily and immediately felt severe pain shoot through his spine. He was taken to Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, where he reported significant lower back pain which was spreading to his right thigh.  

Despite the seriousness of the crash and his ongoing symptoms, Adam was sent home without spinal imaging being carried out. 

The following day, Adam went to another hospital with severe pain and growing neurological symptoms, including difficulty emptying his bladder and altered sensation in his right foot.  

Scans revealed an unstable fracture at the T12 level of Adam’s spine (roughly level with the bottom of the ribcage), with a bone fragment extending into the spinal canal. He later had spinal surgery to stabilise the fracture.  

Although the surgery was successful, Adam has continued to experience ongoing symptoms, including back pain, weakness and altered sensation in his right foot.  

Adam instructed the clinical negligence team at law firm, Leigh Day to investigate a claim on his behalf.  

An independent medical expert said Adam’s spinal injury should have been identified when he attended Queen's Medical Centre and that nationally recognised guidance for suspected spinal injuries was not followed.  

The guidance highlights the need for careful assessment where patients have been involved in high-energy crashes and are left with symptoms suggestive of a spinal injury. 

Adam's legal team said the way he was injured, his ongoing severe back pain and difficulty moving should have led to further investigations, which would have identified his unstable spinal fracture before he was discharged. 

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust admitted Queen's Medical Centre: 

• Should have re-examined Adam when he was unable to move properly 
• Carried out a CT scan before Adam was sent home 
• Would likely have diagnosed Adam’s spinal fracture had the right scans been carried out and would have kept Adam still to protect his spine 
• Would have carried out surgery within days of Adam arriving at the hospital 

It further accepted the delay in diagnosis and treatment caused Adam avoidable pain and suffering and issued a formal apology. 

Following negotiations, Adam received a six-figure settlement. 

Leigh Day solicitor Zoe Donohue, said: 

"This was a frightening experience for Adam at a young age. Following a significant crash, he was coping not only with severe pain but also the uncertainty of not knowing the full extent of his injuries. 

"The delay in diagnosing his spinal fracture meant Adam endured pain and worry which could have been avoided. While no settlement can undo what happened, I am pleased he received an apology and compensation recognising the impact this experience has had on him. 

"I hope sharing cases like Adam's encourages greater awareness of the importance of thoroughly investigating possible spinal injuries following high-energy trauma.”