The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7424 p514
28 October 2006

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· Pfizer products (4)
· Superdrug
· Electronic prescribing
· Instalment prescriptions
· The profession
· Fractures
· Section 60 Order
· Local councils

Letters to the Editor

Fractures

A common misconception

From Miss H. J. Leighton, MRPharmS

While at home recovering from a fractured ankle, I have been watching “City Hospital” on BBC1. I write because an elderly woman was featured, who had fractured her wrist in a fall. She said on her interview that she had been to the chemist and was told it was not broken as she could move her fingers. After a few more days she had gone to her GP, who sent her to hospital for an X-ray.

This concerned me greatly. I have done a vast amount of continuing professional development as a result of my injury and, in fact, when I was in hospital, one of the main concerns was that I could move my toes. If I had not been able to this, it would have signified severe nerve damage. I had a serious break, and yet could move my toes.

I fear that this is a common misconception. The only sure way to exclude a fracture is by imaging, not by seeing whether joints distal to the injury can be moved.

I would encourage colleagues to refer patients who have severe pain and bruising after a full body weight fall onto a joint, for medical attention, so that an X-ray can be obtained and correct treatment instigated from an early stage. This is particularly relevant in the elderly who are at risk of osteoporosis and pathological fractures.

Hazel Leighton
Swanley, Kent

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