An Analysis of Formal Patient Complaints and Malpractice Events Involving Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeons.

Introduction: Our purpose was to define and categorize patient complaints within a hand surgery practice over a 10-year period. In addition, we aimed to define surgeon and patient factors associated with formal complaints.

Methods: All patients who filed a complaint with our institution's patient advocacy service against six hand surgeons in an academic practice over a 10-year period were recorded and categorized using the Patient Complaint Analysis System.

Formal Patient Complaints and Malpractice Events Against Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Background: Formal patient complaints are associated with increased malpractice litigation and can have adverse occupational consequences for surgeons. Our purpose was to define and categorize patient complaints within an academic pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice over a 10-year period. We further aimed to define risk factors associated with patient complaints.