title: Consent in orthopaedic surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether the guidelines set out by the UK Department of Health on informed consent are being followed nationally in orthopaedic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A postal questionnaire of UK orthopaedic consultants was undertaken asking about consenting procedures for an elective and a trauma situation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 53 of 110 cases, the most junior member of the team takes consent, and patients are not being warned about specific complications and risks associated with surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The guidelines issued by the Department of Health are not being adhered to, and the consenting doctor needs to be aware of the medical and legal responsibilities in taking informed consent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, Surrey, UK. sameer.singh@virgin.net
authors.forename: Sameer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Rez
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mayahi
mesh_terms: D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom