Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
A Teleoperated Robotic System-Assisted Percutaneous Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation Technique
Published on: January 6, 2023
Prospective collection of error data in orthopaedic and trauma surgery procedures
Reiner Wirbel1, Ahmad Yacoub, Marius Dehne
1Surgery II: Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Verbundkranhenhause Bernkastel-Wittlich, Wittlich, Germany, reiner.wirbel@web.de.
Purpose:
The frequency, type and consequences of errors in orthopaedic and trauma surgery procedures should be analysed.
Methods:
In a level II trauma centre, errors and intraoperative complications were prospectively recorded concerning type, severity, preventability and consequences. The error-related time delay was also noted.
Results:
In 2012, 984 operative cases could be evaluated over six months: 744 elective and 240 emergency procedures. A total 107 errors (10.8%) in 72 procedures were recorded. There were 78 nonmedical/organisational, nine medical and 20 combined errors. Clinical consequences were seen in 1% of errors. The error rate was higher in emergency procedures. Time delays were involved in two thirds of the errors (on average 8.5 minutes).
Conclusion:
Typical patient- and procedure-related errors can be detected by consequent documentation and analysis. It may help to develop sufficient strategies of error prevention. Because of the often-seen time delay, error prevention may help save time and costs.
