Forensic analysis of medical malpractice claims in major joint dislocations: retrospective analysis of 64 cases.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of medical malpractice claims related to major joint dislocation cases.

Methods: Our database was used in the study to analyze major dislocation cases involving medical malpractice that were closed between 2018 and 2024. A complete and detailed dataset was collected for each case. This included information such as patients' demographics (age and sex), the specific anatomical location of the dislocation (ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and acromioclavicular joint), the underlying cause of the dislocation, rationales for the claim, complications, and unique characteristics of each case.

Results: This retrospective study analyzed 64 cases of major joint dislocation referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine between 2018 and 2024. The mean age of patients was 30.21±15.3 years, with 60.9% being male and 39.1% being female. Upper extremity dislocations accounted for 78.1% of cases, with the elbow being the most common site. Patients were treated at university hospitals (12.5%), education and research hospitals (57.8%), and private hospitals (19.7%). Complications were observed in 50 patients (78.1%), with restricted joint mobility being the most common complication. The most prevalent complaint was delayed diagnosis (37.5%), followed by inappropriate postoperative management and negligence. The board deemed 35.9% of cases as malpractice, with a significant association between conservative treatment and malpractice. In 22 cases with malpractice rulings, the physician was deemed culpable, whereas in one case, malpractice was assigned to a healthcare worker.

Conclusion: The primary causes of malpractice claims in major joint dislocation cases were delayed diagnosis and inadequate postoperative care. Conservative treatment was associated with high rates of medical malpractice. To reduce the risk of medical malpractice, it is necessary to standardize early diagnosis methods and ensure comprehensive postoperative follow-up.