Orthopedic Surgery: Risk Management Issues

Course overview

Any form of surgery is a risky endeavor. In a study of medical malpractice claims by specialty, the top five specialties (out of 25) were all surgical specialties. While orthopedic surgery was fourth on the list, it was second highest in terms of claims with a payment to a patient; orthopedic surgery is risky business. The majority of claims against orthopedic surgeons are similar to those against any surgeon, but there are specific issues that are of greater concern to orthopedic surgeons. It is important to understand the nature of the claims that have been brought in the past so that measures can be taken to prevent their re-occurrence in the future. This is both good risk management and patient safety. In this activity, we will cover the some of the issues that are of greater concern to orthopedic surgeons: informed consent; wrong-site surgery; implanted hardware; failure to diagnose nerve impingement; and communication and resolution. After completing this activity, practitioners/members of the healthcare team should be able to: demonstrate the ways in which valid informed consent is obtained; utilize measures that will prevent wrong-site surgery; and summarize a good explanted device management program.