Misdiagnosed and maltreated scaphoid fractures – costly both for society and patients: A review of filed claims to the Swedish National Patient Insurance Company 2011–2018

Abstract

Misdiagnosed and maltreated scaphoid fractures filed to the Swedish National Patient Insurance Company (LÖF) 2011–2018 were analyzed in terms of complications and costs for society. All filed claims are database-registered (altogether 200 000 claims since 2000). This database was assessed in June 2019 through injury ICD10-SWE-diagnoses. Demographics, complications, complaints, corrective surgeries and costs were analyzed. The numbers of claims for scaphoid fractures were reviewed and compared with all claims. There was a statistically significant trend towards decreasing numbers of notified scaphoid fracture cases during this time. This is not the case compared with the total annually notified injuries to LÖF during the same time, where we instead can see statistically significant increased numbers. Median age for the 128 patients was 24 years. Men represented 76%. Seventy-eight of the 128 (61%) claims were judged as avoidable, compared with 42% in terms of all notified injuries. Pseudoarthrosis dominated as complication (n  = 71). Total numbers of complications were 117, and 47 of the 78 patients had medical invalidity as a consequence. Up to six secondary corrective surgeries per patient were required. Complications and disabilities were more severe if patients needed more than one surgery. The total costs were calculated to €1 226 193. Level of Evidence: LoE III, Therapeutic.