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Malpractice trends in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Akhil Sharma1, Keith G Whitlock1, Mark J Gage1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|February 5, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Medical malpractice claims in shoulder and elbow surgery are common, with most cases involving rotator cuff issues and resulting in residual pain. However, surgeons prevail in most lawsuits, highlighting the need for preventative strategies.

Keywords:
Malpracticedemographicselbowlegallitigationorthopedicsshoulder

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Medical Malpractice Law

Background:

  • Medical malpractice is prevalent, with surgeons frequently facing litigation.
  • Orthopedic surgery is a common area for malpractice claims.
  • No comprehensive studies previously examined malpractice in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine trends in medical malpractice claims within shoulder and elbow surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Searched Westlaw legal database for state and federal jury verdicts/settlements (2010-2020).
  • Included cases with orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons as defendants.
  • Collected data on plaintiff demographics, geography, anatomy, pathology, complications, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Identified 25 malpractice lawsuits related to shoulder and elbow surgery.
  • Most plaintiffs were adult men; cases concentrated in Southwest and Midwest regions.
  • Rotator cuff (32%) and glenohumeral joint (20%) were most common anatomic sites; mechanical pain (56%) was the frequent complication.
  • 80% of cases ruled in favor of the defendant surgeon.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides a comprehensive overview of US orthopedic shoulder and elbow malpractice claims.
  • Residual pain from mechanical causes and nerve damage were primary plaintiff complaints.
  • Many claims followed nonoperative treatment, emphasizing the need for preventative strategies.