Publication:

Orthopaedic surgeons and the legal tightrope: safeguarding patient welfare amidst rising litigation

Medicolegal litigation is a critical aspect of orthopaedic practice. These disputes can arise due to a variety of reasons, including medical negligence, malpractice, and breach of duty. Orthopaedic surgeons are at risk of being involved in medicolegal cases due to the nature of their work, which involves complex surgical procedures and postoperative care. They are required to manage a wide range of cases, from minor fractures to complex spinal and joint surgeries. As with any medical field, orthopaedic surgery being a complex and dynamic medical specialty; carries with it a certain amount of legal responsibility, with litigation rates on the rise globally. This article aims to provide an overview of the areas in orthopaedics where medicolegal litigation is highest and highlight some of the strategies that can be employed to reduce the risk of litigation.