Citation

Vasdeki D, Varitimidis SE, Chryssanthakis C, Stefanou N, Dailiana ZH. World J. Crit. Care Med. 2022; 11(1): 40-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Baishideng Publishing Group)

DOI

10.5492/wjccm.v11.i1.40

PMID

35433308

PMCID

PMC8788205

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute hand and wrist injuries are common and may lead to long-term disability if not managed adequately. Claims for negligence have been increasing in medical practice over the past few decades, with hand and wrist injuries and their treatment representing a significant percentage of orthopedic surgery lawsuits. There is no available literature regarding medical malpractice claims in hand and wrist injuries and surgery in Greece.

AIM: To identify claims related to hand and wrist trauma and surgery and to define the reasons of successful litigations.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all legal claims of negligence for hand and upper extremity surgery that went to a trial, attributed to all surgical specialties, in Greece for a 20-year period. Data was further analyzed to identify claims related to hand and wrist trauma and surgery.

RESULTS: There were six malpractice claims related to hand and wrist trauma that ended in a trial. A missed diagnosis, which resulted in failure of initial management of the injury, was the main reason for a claim. Three of the six cases resulted in complete or partial loss of a finger. Two cases are still open, requiring an expert witness's report, two cases were closed in favor of the defendant, and two cases were closed in favor of the plaintiff with a mean compensation of €2000 (€1000-€3000).

CONCLUSION: Missed diagnosis was the main reason for a malpractice claim. Better understanding of factors leading to successful claims will help surgeons improve their practice to minimize legal implications and litigation.

Language: en

Keywords

Claim; Hand trauma; Litigation; Negligence; Wrist trauma