Ambiguous Nomenclature in Musculoskeletal Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Introduction: Medical vocabulary that conveys different meanings to different groups of readers can lead to confusion and potential misinterpretation of diagnoses. This article reviews words used by radiologists that convey information to the orthopedic surgeon and patient that is different from what the radiologist intended. These terms include meniscal tears, ligament sprains, partial tendon tears, bone bruises, bone contusions, articular cartilage injury, disc bulges, disc herniations, and joint subluxation.

Approach to the Patient with Disproportionate Pain.

Faced with a patient who presents with unexplained disproportionate pain, a surgeon may be tempted to diagnose a low pain threshold, malingering, poor coping, anxiety, or other emotional condition. However, a variety of conditions must be ruled out before the orthopedist can prescribe watchful waiting. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can detect occult fractures, acute spinal conditions or vascular occlusions, but early on are inadequate to diagnose a compartment syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).

Lawsuits After Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Malpractice Claims Analysis.

Introduction: As the number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) increases, the number of associated complications will also increase. Our goal with this study was to identify common causes of and financial trends relating to malpractice claims filed after TKA.

Methods: We analyzed malpractice claims filed for alleged neglectful primary and revision TKA surgeries performed between 1982 and 2012 by orthopaedic surgeons insured by a large New York state malpractice carrier.

Lawsuits After Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasties: A Malpractice Claims Analysis.

Background: As the prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) expands, so too will complications and patient dissatisfaction. The goal of this study was to identify the common etiologies of malpractice suits and costs of claims after primary and revision THAs.

Methods: Analysis of 115 malpractice claims filed for alleged neglectful primary and revision THA surgeries by orthopedic surgeons insured by a large New York state malpractice carrier between 1983 and 2011.