[Analysis of 700 orthopedic complaints reported to the Norwegian Patient Compensation System].
BACKGROUND
In the 1993-99 period, the NPCS reached decisions on 4,041 orthopaedic injury cases. This paper reviews the complaints lodged.


METHODS
We have analysed data from 700 randomly selected cases in order to elucidate the reasons for complaint.


RESULTS
Complaints were lodged against all types of hospitals and primary health care providers. The most frequent primary diagnosis were osteoarthritis of the hip, lumbar disc herniation, and various fractures. Complaints were most commonly related to faulty treatment, continued pain, nerve injuries, reduced function, mistaken diagnosis, malposition of bone or joint, and infection. 84% of complaints were related to treatment and to operative treatment in particular. In 209 cases (30%), the complaints were heard. Of these 209, 43% were heard because of the treatment given, 21% because of infection, 18% because of diagnostic fault, and 6% because of defective follow-up. 491 complaints were rejected; in 70% of them because the injury was acceptable according to general rules, in 19% because the basic disorder had caused the injury, and in 7% because there was in fact no injury.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, better knowledge about treatment injury cases represents valuable information that contributes to a higher quality of care.
Bjerkreim
I
I
Oslo ortopediske universitetsklinikk Trondheimsveien 132 0570 Oslo. ingjald.bjerkreim@rikshospitalet.no
Steen
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System