Case Study A
Mr Gray suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome following a delay in referral to a specialist spinal unit and a delay in performing decompression surgery. He had no long term previous history of back problems prior to developing his condition.
Background
On 7 March Mr Gray began to develop low back pain which became progressively worse and he developed numbness in his right quad. He took painkillers and used a stick to help him walk as he was unable to support his own weight.
On 11 March at 13:30 his legs suddenly gave-way. Mr Gray had weakness in both legs and numbness in his right thigh and back pain. Mr Gray was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, arriving at 16:36.
Mr Gray was seen at 18:10 by an orthopaedic registrar. He had reduced power in the hips and knees and reduced sensation in his right leg. He had a normal anal tone and no saddle anaesthesia.
Mr Gray was advised he simply had back pain with acute neurological deficit. Mr Gray was advised that he had no clinical signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Significantly, A was referred for an X-ray and not an MRI scan, to exclude compression of the spinal cord.
On 12 March, by 08:00 Mr Gray noted that the loss of sensation in his right leg had got worse and now both legs were weaker. A was transferred to a specialist spinal injury unit. However, he did not have an MRI scan until 18:50.
The MRI report confirmed nerve root compression at the L2-L3 level of the spine.
Overnight Mr Gray’s condition deteriorated further and he went into urinary retention and required catheterisation.
On 13 March at 15:10, Mr Gray underwent lumbar decompression surgery.
Outcome
Mr Gray had a significant loss of power in his legs and severe neurological pain. He had bowel urgency but retained normal urinary function. Mr Gray required a wheelchair and crutches. He required extensive personal care in relation to household tasks, specialist aids and equipment and single storey accommodation. Mr Gray was unable to return to work.
Mr Gray successfully pursued a claim for the negligent delay in transferring him to the specialist unit and undergoing emergency surgery. Mr Gray settled his case for a six figure sum. See Video of Mr Gray to find out more about his story.