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Cauda equina syndrome is a potentially devastating spinal condition. The diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome lacks sensitivity and specificity, sometimes occurring after irreparable neurological damage has happened. Timely diagnosis and treatment is imperative for optimal outcomes and for avoiding medicolegal ramifications. Cauda equina syndrome results from conditions that compress the nerves in the lumbosacral spinal canal. Although no consensus definition exists, it generally presents with varying degrees of sensory loss, motor weakness, and bowel and bladder dysfunction (the latter of which is required to definitively establish the diagnosis). A thorough history and physical exam is imperative, followed by magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging myelogram to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Once suspected, emergent spinal surgery referral is indicated, along with urgent decompression. Even with expeditious surgery, improvements remain inconsistent. However, early intervention has been shown to portend greater chance of neurologic recovery. All providers in clinical practice must understand the severity of this condition. Providers can optimize long-term patient outcomes and minimize the risk of litigation by open communication, good clinical practice, thorough documentation, and expeditious care.
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Síndrome de Cauda Equina/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Cauda Equina/cirugía , Descompresión Quirúrgica , Examen Neurológico , Síndrome de Cauda Equina/etiología , Manejo de la Enfermedad , Absceso Epidural/complicaciones , Absceso Epidural/diagnóstico , Absceso Epidural/cirugía , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/complicaciones , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/diagnóstico , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/cirugía , Humanos , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/complicaciones , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/diagnóstico , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/cirugía , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Mielografía , Traumatismos Vertebrales/complicaciones , Traumatismos Vertebrales/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Vertebrales/cirugía , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/complicaciones , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Estenosis Espinal/complicaciones , Estenosis Espinal/diagnóstico , Estenosis Espinal/cirugía , Espondilolistesis/complicaciones , Espondilolistesis/diagnóstico , Espondilolistesis/cirugía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Since 2016, 35 of 50 US states have passed opioid-limiting laws. The impact on postoperative opioid prescribing and secondary outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) remains unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of opioid-limiting regulations on postoperative opioid prescriptions, emergency department (ED) visits, unplanned readmissions, and reoperations following elective ACDF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of prospectively-collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred and eleven patients (101 pre-law, 110 post-law) undergoing primary elective 1-3 level ACDF during specified pre-law (December 1st, 2015-June 30th, 2016) and post-law (June 1st, 2017-December 31st, 2017) study periods were evaluated. METHODS: Demographic, medical, surgical, clinical, and pharmacological data was collected from all patients. Total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) filled was compared at 30-day postoperative intervals, before and after stratification by preoperative opioid-tolerance. Thirty- and 90-day ED visit, readmission, and reoperation rates were calculated. Independent predictors of increased 30-day and chronic (>90 day) opioid utilization were evaluated. RESULTS: Demographic, medical, and surgical factors were similar pre-law versus post-law (all p>.05). Post-law, ACDF patients received fewer opioids in their first postoperative prescription (26.65 vs. 62.08 pills, p<.001; 202.23 vs. 549.18 MMEs, p<.001) and in their first 30 postoperative days (cumulative 30-day MMEs 444.14 vs. 877.87, p<.001). Furthermore, post-law reductions in cumulative 30-day MMEs were seen among both opioid-naïve (363.54 vs. 632.20 MMEs, p<.001) and opioid-tolerant (730.08 vs. 1,122.90 MMEs, p=.022) patient populations. Increased 30-day opioid utilization was associated with surgery in the pre-law period, preoperative opioid exposure, preoperative benzodiazepine exposure, and number of levels fused (all p<.05). Chronic (>90 day) opioid requirements were associated with preoperative opioid exposure (odds ratio 4.42, p<.001) but not with pre/post-law status (p>.05). Pre- and post-law patients were similar in terms of 30- or 90-day ED visits, unplanned readmissions, and reoperations (all p>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of mandatory opioid prescribing limits effectively decreased 30-day postoperative opioid utilization following ACDF without a rebound increase in prescription refills, ED visits, unplanned hospital readmissions, or reoperations for pain.
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Analgésicos Opioides/administración & dosificación , Descompresión Quirúrgica/efectos adversos , Utilización de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Legislación de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Adulto , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Vértebras Cervicales/cirugía , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Readmisión del Paciente/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The authors describe their experience in successfully treating an isolated Morel-Lavallée lesion of the lumbar spine after delayed presentation. In addition to thorough irrigation, debridement, and pseudo-capsulectomy, surgical management included transcutaneous transmyofascial bolstering with a progressive tension suturing technique to close the cavity over drains in a "quilting" fashion. This was followed by 6 days of incisional wound vacuum treatment and 13 days of drainage through 2 Jackson-Pratt drains. At 6-month follow-up, the patient noted resolution of pain and return to baseline level of functioning. No evidence of recurrence was noted. The Morel-Lavallée lesion of the low back represents a difficult soft tissue injury to treat with substantial risk of complications and recurrence. Diagnosing and treating physicians should be familiar with common injury mechanisms and clinical presentations, as well as a variety of nonoperative and operative treatment options. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(4):e399-e401.].
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Traumatismos de los Tejidos Blandos/cirugía , Técnicas de Sutura , Suturas , Desbridamiento/métodos , Drenaje/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos/efectos adversos , Traumatismos de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Although several investigations have examined the epidemiology of cervical spine injuries in sports, few studies have analyzed the nationwide incidence and sex-specific epidemiology of cervical spine injuries. METHOD: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, which collects information on patients presenting to the emergency department at 100 hospitals across the United States, was queried for neck sprains and cervical fractures associated with sporting activities from 2000-2015. RESULT: A total of 26,380 neck sprains and 1166 fractures were identified. Compared with females, the incidence for injuries in males was 1.7 times greater for neck sprains and 3.6 times greater for fractures (P < 0.0001). Football was the most common cause of cervical sprains in males, followed by cycling and weightlifting/aerobics. Females sustained most neck sprains in weightlifting/aerobics, trampoline, and cheerleading. From 2000 to 2015, the incidence of neck sprains from aerobics increased from 15.5 to 25.3 per million person-years (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the incidence of cervical fractures from cycling increased from 0.67 to 2.7 per million (P < 0.0001). For males, cycling was the most common cause of fracture, followed by diving/swimming and football. For females, horseback riding was most common, followed by cycling and diving/swimming. CONCLUSIONS: Football is the leading cause of cervical sprains in the United States. The most common cause of cervical fracture in men is cycling, while in women it is horseback riding. The incidence of sport-related cervical fractures has increased by 35% from 2000 to 2015, which has been driven by an increase in cycling-related injuries.
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Traumatismos en Atletas/epidemiología , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/epidemiología , Traumatismos Vertebrales/epidemiología , Medicina Deportiva , Adolescente , Adulto , Traumatismos en Atletas/complicaciones , Monitoreo Epidemiológico , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores Sexuales , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/etiología , Traumatismos Vertebrales/etiología , Estados Unidos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Prescription opioid abuse is a public health emergency. Opioid prescriptions for spine patients account for a large proportion of use. Some states have implemented statutory limits on prescribers, however it remains unclear whether such laws are effective. PURPOSE: This investigation compares opioid prescription patterns for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery before and after the passage of statewide narcotic-limiting legislation in Rhode Island. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of prospectively-collected medical and pharmacologic data. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two patient cohorts (pre-law January 1, 2016-June 31, 2016 and post-law June 1, 2017-December 31, 2017) that included all patients undergoing selected lumbar spine surgeries (lumbar discectomy, lumbar decompression without fusion, and posterior lumbar fusion). METHODS: Demographic and surgical variables were collected from the patient's medical charts, and information on controlled substances was collected from the state prescription drug monitoring program database. Variables collected included the number of pills and total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) of the first prescription, number of prescriptions filled within 30 days of surgery, total MMEs filled in the 30-day postoperative period, and total MMEs filled from 30 to 90 days after surgery. For comparison of continuous variables, t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. Chi-squared analysis was utilized for comparison of categorical variables. Independent risk factors for prolonged postoperative opioid use were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between pre-law (nâ¯=â¯241) and post-law (nâ¯=â¯311) cohorts in terms of age, sex, preoperative opioid use, or preoperative anxiolytic use (p > .05). A greater than 50% decline was observed among all patients from the pre-law to the post-law period in terms of the number of pills (51.61 vs 23.60 pills, p < .001) and MMEs (525.56 vs 218.77 MMEs, p < .001) provided in the first postoperative opioid prescription. The mean total MMEs provided in the first 30 days decreased significantly (891.26 vs 628.63 MMEs, p < .001) despite an increase in the average number of opioid prescriptions filled (1.75 vs 2.04 prescriptions, p = .002) during this time. There was no significant difference in mean MMEs filled from 30 to 90 days. Upon subgroup analysis, there was a statistically significant decline in both the mean first prescription and total 30-day MMEs regardless of preoperative opioid status (all p < .05) or specific procedure performed (all p < .05). Preoperative opioid use was strongly associated with prolonged postoperative opioid requirements throughout the study period (OR 4.71, 95% CI 3.11-7.13, p < .001). There were no significant differences between cohorts in terms of emergency department (ED) visits or unplanned hospital readmissions at 30 and 90 days following surgery (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The institution of mandatory statewide opioid prescription limits has resulted in a significant reduction in initial and 30-day opioid prescriptions following lumbar spine surgery. Decreased opioid utilization was observed in all patients, regardless of preoperative opioid tolerance or procedure performed. No significant change in postoperative ED visits or unplanned hospital readmissions was seen following implementation of the legislation. This investigation provides preliminary evidence that narcotic limiting legislation may be effective in decreasing opioid prescriptions after lumbar spine surgery for both opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients.
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Analgésicos Opioides/administración & dosificación , Discectomía/efectos adversos , Utilización de Medicamentos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Utilización de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Servicio de Urgencia en Hospital/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Región Lumbosacra/cirugía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Postoperatorio/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Recent studies have shown that applicants to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II examination are performing fewer procedures outside of their chosen subspecialty. In this study, the authors assessed whether trainees are beginning their subspecialization during residency. The authors reviewed the chosen fellowships and case logs of 231 residents graduating from 5 academic orthopedic residency training programs from 2002 to 2017. The number of cases logged by residents who chose a specialty was then compared with the number of cases logged by residents who chose other specialties. Residents who chose spine surgery (108.4±50.7 vs 74.4±60.2, P<.01), hand surgery (242.2±92.9 vs 194.3±78.2, P<.01), and sports medicine (278.5±105.8 vs 229.0±93.9, P<.01) performed significantly more procedures in their chosen fields than their colleagues. In contrast, for total joint arthroplasty (P=.18) and foot and ankle surgery (P=.46), there was no significant difference in the number of cases between residents who chose the sub-specialty and those who did not. Residents pursuing careers in spine surgery, hand surgery, and sports medicine obtained additional operative exposure to their chosen field during residency. Formalizing this early experience with specialization tracks during the chief year may be considered. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(1):e39-e43.].
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Educación de Postgrado en Medicina/estadística & datos numéricos , Ortopedia/educación , Especialización/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Internado y Residencia/estadística & datos numéricos , Cirujanos Ortopédicos/educación , Cirujanos Ortopédicos/estadística & datos numéricos , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Atraumatic spinal emergencies often present a diagnostic and management dilemma for health care practitioners. Spinal epidural abscess, cauda equina syndrome, and spinal epidural hematoma are conditions that can insidiously present to outpatient medical offices, urgent care centers, and emergency departments. Unless a high level of clinical suspicion is maintained, these clinical entities may be initially misdiagnosed and mismanaged. Permanent neurologic sequela and even death can result if delays in appropriate treatment occur. A focused, critical review of 34 peer-reviewed articles was performed to identify current data about accurate diagnosis of spinal emergencies. This review highlights the key features of these 3 pathological entities with an emphasis on appropriate diagnostic strategy to intervene efficiently and minimize morbidity.
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Síndrome de Cauda Equina/diagnóstico , Urgencias Médicas , Absceso Epidural/diagnóstico , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/diagnóstico , Atención Primaria de Salud , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Trastornos de la Coagulación Sanguínea/complicaciones , Trastornos de la Coagulación Sanguínea/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Coagulación Sanguínea/terapia , Síndrome de Cauda Equina/terapia , Desbridamiento , Descompresión Quirúrgica , Diagnóstico Tardío/prevención & control , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Errores Diagnósticos/prevención & control , Absceso Epidural/terapia , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/etiología , Hematoma Espinal Epidural/terapia , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Mielografía , Ciática/diagnóstico , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) can be challenging to diagnose and may result in serious adverse outcomes sometimes leading to neurologic compromise, sepsis, and even death. While SEA may lead to litigation for healthcare providers, little is known about the medicolegal factors predicting case outcome of SEA related litigation cases. Three large medicolegal databases (VerdictSearch, Westlaw, and LexisNexis) were queried for SEA-related malpractice cases. Plaintiff (patient) age, sex, previous infection history and clinical outcomes such as residual paraplegia/quadriplegia, and delay in diagnosis or treatment were examined. The relationship between these variables and the proportion of plaintiff rulings and size of indemnity payments were assessed. Of the 135 cases that met inclusion criteria, 29 (21.5%) settled, 59 (43.7%) resulted in a defendant ruling, and 47 (34.8%) resulted in a plaintiff ruling. Mean award for plaintiff rulings was $4,291,400 (95% CI, $5,860,129 to $2,722,671), which was significantly larger than mean awards for cases that settled out of court, $2,324,170 (95% CI, $3,206,124 to $1,442,217) (P<0.05). The proportion of plaintiff verdicts and size of monetary awards were not significantly related to age or sex of the patient. A previously known infection was not significantly associated with the proportion of plaintiff verdicts or indemnity payments (P>0.05). In contrast, plaintiff verdicts were more common for patients who became paraplegic or quadriplegic (P<0.02) and were associated with significantly higher monetary awards (P<0.05) relative to patients without paralysis. Plaintiff verdicts were also more common when cases had an associated delay in diagnosis (P=0.008) or delay in treatment (P<0.001). Internists were the most commonly sued physician named in 20 (14.8%) suits, followed by anesthesiologists in 13 (9.6%) suits, emergency medicine physicians in 12 (8.9%) suits, family medicine physicians in 9 (6.7%) suits, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons in 6 (4.4%) suits each, and multiple providers in 2 (1.5%) suits. The remaining lawsuits were against a hospital or another specialty not previously listed This investigation examined legal claims associated with SEA and found that the likelihood of a plaintiff verdict was significantly related to patient outcome (paralysis) and physician factors (delay in diagnosis or treatment compared). Additionally, paralyzed plaintiffs receive higher award payouts. Non-operative physicians, who are often responsible for initial diagnosis, were more frequently named in malpractice suits than surgeons. Increased awareness of the medicolegal implications of SEA can better prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, and thus, alleged negligence-based lawsuits.
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STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the timing of complications after posterior cervical fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Understanding the expected timing of postoperative complications facilitates early diagnosis of potential adverse events and is important for optimizing postoperative care. Though studies have examined the incidence of complications after posterior cervical fusion, no study has characterized the timing of these complications. METHODS: Patient data in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) dataset with a primary CPT code 22600, corresponding to posterior cervical fusion, was analyzed for demographics, comorbidities, and ten specific complications. Complication timing was assessed, and univariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship of patient demographic and clinical variables on the development of postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 2517 patients with a mean age of 59.3⯱â¯12.5 met inclusion criteria. The overall complication rate was 12.4%. The median day of diagnosis and interquartile range for each complication was: blood transfusion (0.0, 0-0), myocardial infarction (3, 2-7), reintubation (3, 1-9), pneumonia (4, 3-10), deep venous thrombosis (7, 5-16), urinary tract infection (11.5, 5-17.5), sepsis (14, 7-20), pulmonary embolism (14, 8-21), surgical site infection (15, 9-21), and wound dehiscence (15.5, 9-25). Less than 50% deep venous thromboses were diagnosed before discharge, and less than 30% of pulmonary emboli were diagnosed before discharge. On univariate analysis, increased age, decreased functional status, fusing more than one level, current smoker status, diabetes, and CHF were associated with increased complications. CONCLUSIONS: This timing data is useful to the practicing spine surgeon as it provides a guide for when to expect and investigate for specific complications after posterior cervical procedures. It may aid in the early diagnosis of complications and may also assist in healthcare reimbursement negotiations.
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Spinopelvic fixation provides an important anchor for long fusions in spinal deformity surgery, and it is also used in the treatment of other spine pathologies. Iliac screws are known to sometimes require reoperation due to pain resulting from hardware prominence and skin injury. S-2 alar/iliac (S2AI) screws do not often require removal, but they may provide inadequate fixation in select cases. In this paper the authors describe a technique for S-1 alar/iliac screws that may be used independently or as a supplement to S2AI screws. A preliminary biomechanical analysis and 2 clinical case examples are also provided.
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Tornillos Óseos , Ilion/cirugía , Sacro/cirugía , Dolor de Espalda/diagnóstico por imagen , Dolor de Espalda/cirugía , Femenino , Humanos , Ilion/diagnóstico por imagen , Ilion/fisiopatología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sacro/diagnóstico por imagen , Sacro/fisiopatología , Curvaturas de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Curvaturas de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Fusión Vertebral , Estenosis Espinal/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Espinal/cirugíaRESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Analyze medical malpractice verdicts and settlements associated with incidental durotomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Incidental durotomy is a common complication of spine surgery. Although most intraoperative dural tears are repaired without sequelae, persistent Cerebrospinal Fluid leak, infection, or neurological injury can yield adverse outcomes. The medicolegal implications of incidental durotomy are poorly understood. METHODS: Three separate, large legal databases were queried for cases involving incidental durotomy. Case, plaintiff, procedure, and outcome characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 48 dural tear-related medical malpractice cases were analyzed. Most cases (56.3%) resulted in a ruling in favor of the defendant physician. Most cases alleged neurological deficits (86.7%). A large majority of cases without neurological sequelae had an outcome in favor of the defendant (83.3%). For cases involving a payment, the average amount was $2,757,298 in 2016 adjusted dollars. Additional surgery was required in 56.3% of cases, a delay in diagnosis/treatment of durotomy was present in 43.8%, and alleged improper durotomy repair was present in 22.9%. A favorable outcome for the plaintiff was more likely in cases with versus without alleged delay in diagnosis/treatment (61.9% vs. 29.6%, Pâ=â0.025) and improper durotomy repair technique (72.7% vs. 35.1%, Pâ=â0.040). Repeat surgery was not associated with favorable outcome for the plaintiff (42.8% cases with reoperation vs. 38.1% without, Pâ=â0.486). CONCLUSION: This analysis of durotomy-associated closed malpractice claims after spine surgery is the largest yet conducted. Durotomy cannot always be considered an entirely benign event, and these findings have several direct implications for clinicians: late-presenting or dehiscent durotomy may be associated with adverse outcomes and subsequent risk of litigation, timely reoperation in the event of durotomy-related complications may not increase surgeon liability, and spine surgeons should be prepared to defend their choice of durotomy repair technique, should dehiscence occur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
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Duramadre/lesiones , Complicaciones Intraoperatorias/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Intraoperatorias/etiología , Mala Praxis/tendencias , Neurocirujanos/tendencias , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos/efectos adversos , Pérdida de Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/diagnóstico , Pérdida de Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/etiología , Estudios de Cohortes , Bases de Datos Factuales/tendencias , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Mala Praxis/legislación & jurisprudencia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neurocirujanos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Enfermedades de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de la Columna Vertebral/cirugíaRESUMEN
Occupational spine injuries place a substantial burden on employees, employers, and the workers' compensation system. Both temporary and permanent spinal conditions contribute substantially to disability and lost wages. Numerous investigations have revealed that workers' compensation status is a negative risk factor for outcomes after spine injuries and spine surgery. However, positive patient outcomes and return to work are possible in spine-related workers' compensation cases with proper patient selection, appropriate surgical indications, and realistic postoperative expectations. Quality improvement measures aimed at optimizing outcomes and minimizing permanent disability are crucial to mitigating the burden of disability claims.
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Traumatismos Ocupacionales/cirugía , Traumatismos Vertebrales/cirugía , Indemnización para Trabajadores , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Humanos , Selección de Paciente , Reinserción al Trabajo , Factores de Riesgo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Greater than 75% of arthroplasty surgeons report having been the subject of a malpractice lawsuit. Despite this, few studies have analyzed the causes of litigation following total joint arthroplasty in the United States. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of malpractice lawsuits following total hip and knee arthroplasty using VerdictSearch, a database encompassing legal cases compiled from February 1988 to May 2015. Complications leading to litigation were categorized and assessed for patient, surgeon, and lawsuit factors. All monetary awards were reflected for inflation. RESULTS: A total of 213 lawsuits were analyzed (119 total hip and 94 total knee arthroplasty cases). Overall, 15.0% of cases ended in settlement and 29.6% ended in a verdict in favor of the plaintiff (physician loss). The average payment for cases lost in court ($1,929,822 ± $3,679,572) was significantly larger than cases that ended in settlement ($555,347 ± $822,098) (P = .006). The most common complication following hip arthroplasty was "nerve injury" (29 cases, settlement rate: 10.3%, physician loss rate: 53.9%, and average payment: $1,089,825). The most common complication following knee arthroplasty was "pain or weakness" (17 cases, settlement rate: 5.9%, physician loss rate: 6.3%, and average payment: $451,867). Technical complications were the most likely complications to result in a physician loss (P = .019). CONCLUSION: While complications like "pain and weakness" are less likely to result in favorable litigation for patients, the presence of an objective technical complication or nerve injury was associated with an increased risk of a physician loss and a higher payment.
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Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera/legislación & jurisprudencia , Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Rodilla/legislación & jurisprudencia , Anciano , Compensación y Reparación , Bases de Datos Factuales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Mala Praxis , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Cirujanos , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE Adverse events related to spine surgery sometimes lead to litigation. Few studies have evaluated the association between spine surgical complications and medical malpractice proceedings, outcomes, and awards. The aim of this study was to identify the most frequent causes of alleged malpractice in spine surgery and to gain insight into patient demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medical negligence litigation. METHODS A search for "spine surgery" spanning February 1988 to May 2015 was conducted utilizing the medicolegal research service VerdictSearch (ALM Media Properties, LLC). Demographic data for the plaintiff and defendant in addition to clinical data for the procedure and legal outcomes were examined. Spinal cord injury, anoxic/hypoxic brain injury, and death were classified as catastrophic complications; all other complications were classified as noncatastrophic. Both chi-square and t-tests were used to evaluate the effect of these variables on case outcomes and awards granted. RESULTS A total of 569 legal cases were examined; 335 cases were excluded due to irrelevance or insufficient information. Of the 234 cases included in this investigation, 54.2% (127 cases) resulted in a defendant ruling, 26.1% (61) in a plaintiff ruling, and 19.6% (46) in a settlement. The awards granted for plaintiff rulings ranged from $134,000 to $38,323,196 (mean $4,045,205 ± $6,804,647). Awards for settlements ranged from $125,000 to $9,000,000 (mean $1,930,278 ± $2,113,593), which was significantly less than plaintiff rulings (p = 0.022). Compared with cases without a delay in diagnosis of the complication, the cases with a diagnostic delay were more likely to result in a plaintiff verdict or settlement (42.9% vs 72.7%, p = 0.007) than a defense verdict, and were more likely to settle out of court (17.5% vs 40.9%, p = 0.008). Similarly, compared with cases without a delay in treatment of the complication, those with a therapeutic delay were more likely to result in a plaintiff verdict or settlement (43.7% vs 68.4%, p = 0.03) than a defense verdict, and were more likely to settle out of court (18.1% vs 36.8%, p = 0.04). Overall, 28% of cases (66/234) involved catastrophic complications. Physicians were more likely to lose cases (plaintiff verdict or settlement) with catastrophic complications (66.7% vs 37.5%, p < 0.001). In cases with a plaintiff ruling, catastrophic complications resulted in significantly larger mean awards than noncatastrophic complications ($6.1M vs $2.9M, p = 0.04). The medical specialty of the provider and the age or sex of the patient were not associated with the case outcome or award granted (p > 0.05). The average time to a decision for defendant verdicts was 5.1 years; for plaintiff rulings, 5.0 years; and for settlements, 3.4 years. CONCLUSIONS Delays in the diagnosis and the treatment of a surgical complication predict legal case outcomes favoring the plaintiff. Catastrophic complications are linked to large sums awarded to the plaintiff and are predictive of rulings against the physician. For physician defendants, the costs of settlements are significantly less than those of losing in court. Although this study provides potentially valuable data from a large series of postoperative litigation cases, it may not provide a true representation of all jurisdictions, each of which has variable malpractice laws and medicolegal environments.
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Mala Praxis/legislación & jurisprudencia , Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Bases de Datos Factuales , Diagnóstico Tardío , Femenino , Humanos , Legislación Hospitalaria , Masculino , Mala Praxis/economía , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/economía , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/terapia , Factores Sexuales , Cirujanos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Estados Unidos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Because acute compartment syndrome is one of the few limb-threatening and life-threatening orthopaedic conditions and is difficult to diagnose, it is a frequent source of litigation. Understanding the factors that lead to plaintiff verdicts and higher indemnity payments may improve patient care by identifying common pitfalls. METHODS: The VerdictSearch legal claims database was queried for the term "compartment syndrome." After 46 cases were excluded for missing information or irrelevancy, 139 cases were reviewed. The effects of plaintiff demographics, mechanism of injury, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Of 139 cases, 37 (27%) were settled, 69 (50%) resulted in a defendant ruling, and 33 (24%) resulted in a plaintiff ruling. Juries were more likely to rule in favor of juvenile plaintiffs than adult patients (P = 0.002) and female plaintiffs than male plaintiffs (P = 0.008), but indemnity payments were not affected by the age or sex of the plaintiff. Plaintiffs who experienced acute compartment syndrome as a complication of surgery were more likely to win their suit and receive higher awards (P < 0.05), compared with those in whom the condition developed as a result of trauma. Amputation or delay in diagnosis or treatment did not affect plaintiff verdicts or awards. CONCLUSION: Defendants were more likely to lose a lawsuit concerning the management of acute compartment syndrome if the patient was a woman or child or if acute compartment syndrome developed as a complication of a surgical procedure.
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Síndromes Compartimentales/etiología , Mala Praxis/estadística & datos numéricos , Procedimientos Ortopédicos/efectos adversos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Síndromes Compartimentales/diagnóstico , Síndromes Compartimentales/economía , Síndromes Compartimentales/terapia , Bases de Datos Factuales/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Mala Praxis/economía , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/economía , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/terapia , Factores SexualesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE Spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) can be difficult to diagnose and may result in neurological compromise or even death. Delays in diagnosis or treatment may worsen the prognosis. While SEA presents a high risk for litigation, little is known about the medicolegal ramifications of this condition. An enhanced understanding of potential legal implications is important for practicing spine surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and internists. METHODS The VerdictSearch database, a large legal-claims database, was queried for "epidural abscess"-related legal cases. Demographic and clinical data were examined for all claims; any irrelevant cases or cases with incomplete information were excluded. The effects of age of the plaintiff, sex of the plaintiff, presence of a known infection, resulting paraplegia or quadriplegia, delay in diagnosis, and delay in treatment on the proportion of plaintiff rulings and size of payments were assessed. RESULTS In total, 56 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of the 56 cases, 17 (30.4%) were settled, 22 (39.3%) resulted in a defendant ruling, and 17 (30.4%) resulted in a plaintiff ruling. The mean award for plaintiff rulings was $5,277,468 ± $6,348,462 (range $185,000-$19,792,000), which was significantly larger than the mean award for cases that were settled out of court, $1,914,265 ± $1,313,322 (range $100,000-$4,500,000) (p < 0.05). The mean age of the plaintiffs was 47.0 ± 14.4 years; 23 (41.1%) of the plaintiffs were female and 33 (58.9%) were male. The proportion of plaintiff verdicts and size of monetary awards were not affected by age or sex (p > 0.49). The presence of a previously known infection was also not associated with the proportion of plaintiff verdicts or indemnity payments (p > 0.29). In contrast, juries were more likely to rule in favor of plaintiffs who became paraplegic or quadriplegic (p = 0.03) compared with plaintiffs who suffered pain or isolated weakness. Monetary awards for paraplegic or quadriplegic patients were also significantly higher (p = 0.003). Plaintiffs were more likely to win if there was a delay in diagnosis (p = 0.04) or delay in treatment (p = 0.006), although there was no difference in monetary awards (p > 0.57). Internists were the most commonly sued physician (named in 13 suits [23.2%]), followed by emergency medicine physicians (named in 8 [14.3%]), and orthopedic surgeons (named in 3 [5.4%]). CONCLUSIONS This investigation is the largest examination of legal claims due to spinal epidural abscess to date. The proportion of plaintiff verdicts was significantly higher in cases in which the patient became paraplegic or quadriplegic and in cases in which there was delay in diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, paralysis is linked to large sums awarded to the plaintiff. Nonsurgeon physicians, who are often responsible for initial diagnosis, were more likely to be sued than were surgeons.
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Absceso Epidural/terapia , Mala Praxis/legislación & jurisprudencia , Factores de Edad , Bases de Datos Factuales , Diagnóstico Tardío , Absceso Epidural/complicaciones , Absceso Epidural/economía , Absceso Epidural/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Mala Praxis/economía , Persona de Mediana Edad , Parálisis/etiología , Médicos/legislación & jurisprudencia , Factores Sexuales , Tiempo de Tratamiento , Resultado del Tratamiento , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Workers' compensation is an employer-funded insurance program that provides financial and medical benefits for employees injured at work. Because many occupational injuries are musculoskeletal in nature, the orthopaedic surgeon plays an important role in the workers' compensation system. Along with establishing the correct diagnosis and implementing an appropriate treatment plan, the clinician must understand the fundamental components of the workers' compensation system to manage an injured employee. Ultimately, effective claim management requires collaboration among the employer, the employee, the legal representatives, the insurance company, and the orthopaedic surgeon.
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Traumatismos Ocupacionales , Cirujanos Ortopédicos , Rol del Médico , Indemnización para Trabajadores , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Humanos , Traumatismos Ocupacionales/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Ocupacionales/economía , Traumatismos Ocupacionales/terapia , Reinserción al Trabajo/economía , Reinserción al Trabajo/legislación & jurisprudencia , Estados Unidos , Indemnización para Trabajadores/economía , Indemnización para Trabajadores/legislación & jurisprudencia , Indemnización para Trabajadores/organización & administraciónRESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of halo-vest (HV) immobilization for type II odontoid fractures from 2004 to 2014. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Controversy persists regarding the optimal treatment method for odontoid fractures in the elderly. Management options include immobilization in a cervical orthosis, HV immobilization, and operative intervention. Over the past decade, high mortality and morbidity rates have been reported following HV immobilization in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, patient demographics, presentation, Charlson comorbidity index, treatment method, and outcome data for patients over 65 who had suffered type II odontoid fractures from 2004 to 2014 were compared with a historical cohort from 1997 to 2004. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 82.7±8.8 compared with 80.7±0.9 in the 1997-2004 cohort. The in-hospital mortality rate from 2004 to 2014 was 11.1% (14/126) compared with 31% in the historical cohort, and 10 (7.9%) patients were treated with HV compared with 49%. Mortality in the HV group was higher than the surgical group (P=0.01) but no different from the orthosis group (P=0.63).There were no differences in injury severity score, Charlson comorbidity index, or complications between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past decade, HV use for elderly odontoid fractures has decreased at our institution. Mortality and morbidity of elderly patients treated with HV has also decreased. These findings are likely the result of improved patient selection and greater attention to respiratory care. This study demonstrates that HV immobilization of odontoid fractures in elderly patients can be as safe as cervical orthosis treatment in select patients.
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Hospitales , Inmovilización , Apófisis Odontoides/cirugía , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Humanos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Sobrevivientes , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass associated with aging and advanced disease. This study retrospectively examined patients older than 55 years (N=46) who underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery between 2003 and 2015. Each patient's comorbidity burden was determined using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the Mirza Surgical Invasiveness Index was used to measure procedural complexity. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by measuring the total cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the L4 vertebrae using perioperative computed tomography scans. Of the 46 patients assessed, 16 were in the lowest third for L4 total psoas area (sarcopenic). Average follow-up time was 5.2 years (range, 6 days to 12.7 years). The cohort of patients with sarcopenia was significantly older than the cohort without sarcopenia (mean age, 76.4 vs 69.9 years; P=.01) but did not have a significantly different mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.3 vs 2.0; P=.32) or mean Mirza Surgical Invasiveness Index (7.1 vs 7.0; P=.49). Patients with sarcopenia had a hospital length of stay 1.7-fold longer than those without sarcopenia (8.1 vs 4.7 days; P=.02) and a 3-fold increase in postoperative in-hospital complications (1.2 vs 0.4; P=.02), and they were more likely to require discharge to a rehabilitation or nursing facility (81.2% vs 43.3%; P=.006). Patients with sarcopenia had a significantly lower cumulative survival (log rank=0.007). All 4 deaths occurred among patients with sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia have a significantly increased risk of in-hospital complications, longer length of stay, increased rates of discharge to rehabilitation facilities, and increased mortality following thoracolumbar spinal surgery, making sarcopenia a useful perioperative risk stratification tool. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):e1159-e1164.].
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Procedimientos Ortopédicos/mortalidad , Músculos Psoas/diagnóstico por imagen , Sarcopenia/mortalidad , Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Comorbilidad , Femenino , Humanos , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Morbilidad , Procedimientos Ortopédicos/efectos adversos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/mortalidad , Periodo Posoperatorio , Músculos Psoas/patología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Medición de Riesgo , Sarcopenia/complicaciones , Sarcopenia/epidemiología , Vértebras Torácicas/cirugía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Iliac fixation is indicated to provide spinopelvic stabilization in select cases of long segment thoracolumbar spine fusion, spinal osteotomy/realignment, trauma, and instability caused by tumor or infection. Traditional iliac fixation with iliac screws or S2 alar/iliac (S2AI) screws may provide inadequate fixation in select clinical scenarios, such as severely compromised bone quality or spinopelvic dissociation. The purpose of this article is to describe the perpendicular iliac screw technique with ipsilateral iliac crest screw plus S2AI fixation. The technique may be applied for select individuals in cases of 3-column osteotomy in the lower lumbar spine, spinopelvic dissociation (caused by trauma, neoplasm, or Charcot arthropathy), and failure of previous iliac fixation and when anatomic constraints limit standard iliac screw or S2AI screw placement. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):e1209-e1212.].