Characteristics and Outcomes of Medical Malpractice Claims in Spinal Fracture Treatment: A Retrospective Investigation of Litigation Following Spinal Trauma

Study DesignRetrospective Cohort Study.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the characteristics of medical malpractice claims related to spinal fracture treatment in our country between 2018 and 2023.MethodsThe study utilized our database to analyze 65 closed spinal fracture medical malpractice cases. The inclusion criteria were vertebral fracture, traumatic origin, age >18 years, and available data. The study evaluated patient demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment details, complications, and the nature of the malpractice complaints.ResultsThe results showed that 22 out of 65 cases were found to involve malpractice by the committee. The most common complaints were treatment errors, failure to diagnose the condition, and postoperative paralysis. In 22 cases of malpractice, there were twelve cases of failure of diagnosis, 3 cases of misdiagnosis, 6 cases of treatment error, and 1 case of inappropriate postoperative management. Three of the malpractice cases involved orthopedic surgeons, while 19 involved neurosurgeons. The study found no significant differences in any of the parameters between patients with and without malpractice. Five of the 15 defendant orthopaedic surgeons, 5 of the 41 defendant neurosurgeons, 6 of the 24 defendant emergency medicine specialists and 6 of the 8 defendant radiologists were found to be at fault in malpractice lawsuits.ConclusionsNeurosurgeons receive the most complaints, but radiologists have the highest rate of malpractice, with 6 out of 8 of these cases being malpractice. The findings highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment in reducing the risk of malpractice claims in spinal fracture cases.