Total joint arthroplasty procedures are the most common cause of malpractice claims within orthopedic surgery, according to a September study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty.
Researchers reviewed a legal database of cases between 2018 and 2022 involving primary hip and knee total joint arthroplasty cases in the U.S.
Cases were listed as original rulings or appeals and reviewed for the alleged negligence, damages incurred, demographics and verdicts, and appeals were further assessed for appellant details, preliminary judgment and outcomes.
The study ultimately reviewed 59 cases, including 33 TKA and 26 THA cases. The TKA cases primarily cited pain (24%), while the THA cases cited nerve injuries (31%).
Negligence largely stemmed from procedural error (47%), postsurgical error (27%, and failure to inform (14%). Case outcomes were in favor of the defense in 66% of cases.