What is the most frequent condition for which orthopaedic surgeons are sued?
Physicians Insurers Association of America identified in a large study of 879 claims that fracture of the femur ranks first on the list of problems for which orthopaedic surgeons are sued. Following fracture of the femur is failure to diagnose a condition. The third leading cause is infection. I am not surprised at this study as fractures of the femur can be notoriously difficult to manage and complications can often result from treatment with metal fixation devices. We as orthopaedic surgeons must do a better job to engage in a through discussion with the patient and family concerning the nature of the injury and its severity, proposed treatment, the alternatives available, possible complications and their consequences and realistic expectations.
