Medicolegal aspects of hip and knee arthroplasty.
Hip and knee arthroplasties usually are satisfying for the patient and the surgeon; however, these procedures also have considerable risks for generating a medical malpractice lawsuit. Strict adherence to the standard of care and recently implemented patient safety strategies should reduce the surgeon's liability. Expert technical execution of the surgery, timely evidence-based patient treatment, and detailed documentation in the medical record will not only improve the quality of patient care but also will serve as a strong legal defense should the need arise.
Attarian
David E
DE
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, 3116 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27704, USA. attar001@mc.duke.edu
Vail
Thomas Parker
TP
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management; D014481:United States