Table 3.

Suggestions to prevent lawsuits in THA, TKA cases

Suggestions to prevent lawsuits in THA,TKA cases
Document the indication for arthroplasty clearly and ensure that the patient has realistic expectations from the surgery
Optimize medical condition prior to arthroplasty. Obtain clearance for surgery from relevant specialists if required
Obtain informed consent for surgery in all cases  Informed consent documentation should include name, age, sex, hospital number of the patient; diagnosis; surgical procedure, side of surgery; date of surgery; name of the chief operating surgeon; common complications of the procedure, few serious complications of the procedure; alternative treatment options with pros and cons of such alternatives; specific implants to be used; consent for anaesthesia and its complications; the signatures of the patient, person obtaining the consent and of the chief operating surgeon
Explain and list all common complications following THA, TKA while obtaining informed consent  For THA: nerve injury, including foot drop, limb length discrepancy, and dislocation  For TKA: incomplete pain relief/chronic pain, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism  For both: infection, bleeding, implant loosening
Only use implants from licenced manufacturers having required certifications and confirmed satisfactory results
Avoid mixing of implants from different manufacturers
Document the advice given regarding post-operative rehabilitation and mobilisation, and also if the advice is being followed by patient or not