Medical Malpractice Litigation in Orthopaedic Surgery in the United States: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Strategies for Navigating Lawsuits, Prevention, and Reform.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-17-2025

Abstract

➢ Medical malpractice litigation in orthopaedic surgery remains a major challenge, as the field consistently ranks among the most frequently litigated specialties. Malpractice claims in orthopaedics often involve surgical errors, misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, and inadequate postoperative care, with substantial financial and emotional consequences for health-care providers.➢ Malpractice risk varies by orthopaedic subspecialty, with adult reconstruction and spine surgeons facing the highest litigation rates, often due to nerve injuries, delayed or missed diagnoses, or postoperative complications. Although defense verdicts are the most common outcome, substantial settlements and plaintiff verdicts occur in cases involving irreversible damages, inadequate informed consent, or technical errors.➢ Proactive risk management and legal preparedness can help to mitigate liability and protect physicians. Preventative strategies include clear, supportive communication to build patient trust, comprehensive documentation ensuring adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and diagnostic accuracy through use of objective tools.

Volume

107

Issue

24

First Page

2726

Last Page

2734

ISSN

1535-1386

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

41405574

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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