[Undesirable treatment results from the viewpoint of an expert witness on medical liability problems--an analysis of 142 cases].
Causes of proven medical misconduct were analyzed on the basis of 142 expert testimonies prepared for an advisory committee on medical liability. The principal causes of misconduct identified were: 1. an incorrect indication for surgery; 2. Unsatisfactory surgical technique; 3. Inadequate preoperative patient enlightenment. In many of the cases in which an incorrect indication for therapy or a technical error could not be proved, the patients or their lawyers attempted to assert their claims by declaring that they had been insufficiently informed. The majority of the claims for recourse concerned: a) problems associated with implantation of total hip replacements; b) sequelae of revisional osteotomies of the lower extremity; c) infiltration therapy with a topical anesthetic; d) sequelae of lumbar disc surgery. These four therapeutic categories accounted for almost two-thirds of all proven errors of therapy and in informing patients. A total of 16.26% of the claims were resolved in the plaintiff's favor. Several examples are presented to illustrate the problem of incorrect indication and unsatisfactory surgical technique as a cause of proven therapeutic error.
Breitenfelder
J
J
Orthopädischen Klinik, St. Vincenz-Hospitals, Brakel/Westfalen.
D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*
Unerwünschte Behandlungsergebnisse aus der Sicht eines Gutachters für ärztliche Haftpflichtfragen--Eine Analyse von 142 Fällen.