The quality of upper extremity orthopedic care in liability claims filed and claims paid.

PURPOSE

To review a series of closed liability claims for upper extremity conditions to guide improvements for upper extremity care and thereby reduce the frequency of paid claims.

METHODS

The authors, a team of 3 orthopedic surgeons and 3 nonphysician investigators experienced in closed claims research, investigated 108 closed upper extremity liability claims from a large United States-wide insurer for events that occurred between 1996 and 2009. We sought to determine the types of conditions, treatments, and surgeon factors common to claims made and claims paid.

RESULTS

Liability claims were primarily for the care of common problems, such as fractures (n = 52; 48%) or degenerative conditions (n = 24; 26%), rather than complex challenging conditions or disorders, such as deficiencies treated with replantations or tissue transfers. The most common adverse outcomes in these claims were nonunion or malunion of fractures (n = 29; 27%), nerve injury (n = 20; 19%), and infection (n = 13; 12%). Most claims (n = 57; 53%) involved a permanent injury. The surgeon's operative skills were more commonly an issue in paid claims (n = 13; 45%) than in claims without payment (n = 14; 19%). Claims for mismanagement of fractures (n = 52; 48% of all claims) were more likely to result in payment (n = 20; 38%) than nonfracture claims (n = 10; 18%).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that the incidence of upper extremity claims made and claims paid may be reduced if surgeons acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for the care of the common conditions they encounter, including fractures.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.