THE parents of a toddler whose fractured leg was not put in a cast for four days have made a formal complaint to Swindon's flagship hospital.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Vinnie Adams, who has a severe form of osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bones fractured the bone on Good Friday.

An X-ray at the Great Western Hospital showed the break on Vinnie's left femur, or thigh bone, but his leg was not put in a cast until Tuesday morning.

His parents, Vicky and Jerry Adams, of Freshbrook, are disgusted they had to wait so long.

Jerry, a press operator at Swindon Pressings, said: "Our son went through four days of hell. We were told we had to wait and see our usual consultant who works normal hours. But that meant Vinnie had to wait days in pain. Now I just want to know why my son was left without a plaster. I don't want to beat about the bush. I just want answers.

"It was only after a day or two that the hospital offered skin traction but we have been told by previous doctors that this could worsen the condition as it puts pressure on the injured area, which could break more bones."

Osteogenesis imperfecta means bones are prone to breaking easily and often. Vinnie has type III, the severest, non-lethal form. Vinnie's twin brother, Ivor, also had osteogenesis imperfecta and died at just one day old due to a heart condition. Vinnie has had about 30 breaks and fractures since he was born in September 2001, and even cracked his femur when he was in the womb.

Jerry said: "At first we wanted to wrap him up in cotton wool but there was no point treating him like that as his bones break even if he stretches a leg.

"When he broke his leg on Friday all he did was gently slip over. He screams out in pain, but at the same time he doesn't seem to let it get him down.

"As he gets older his bones should get a bit stronger but he isn't expected to grow more than about four feet tall."