Critical incident identification in common orthopaedic injury.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the occurrence of any critical incidents in the 50 consecutive patients with common orthopaedic injury (distal radius fractures) treated in a District General Hospital of United Kingdom. METHODS: All patients admitted with distal radius fracture and subjected to manipulation/closed reduction under anaesthesia or surgical interventions were included in this study. Patients who were manipulated in Accident and Emergency were excluded. RESULTS: Although a very common fracture to treat in orthopaedic practice, a radial fracture can be associated with significant critical incidents during its management. Nineteen critical incidences in 50 patients treated for their distal radius fracture were identified. Three occurred while consultants were operating, whereas 16 took place during surgery by trainees. CONCLUSION: A critical incident identification form has been formulated which can be incorporated in any procedure for training and evaluation purpose.