Medical Malpractice Claims Following Incidental Durotomy Due to Spinal Surgery

Conclusion. This analysis of durotomy-associated closed malpractice claims after spine surgery is the largest yet conducted. Durotomy cannot always be considered an entirely benign event, and these findings have several direct implications for clinicians: late-presenting or dehiscent durotomy may be associated with adverse outcomes and subsequent risk of litigation, timely reoperation in the event of durotomy-related complications may not increase surgeon liability, and spine surgeons should be prepared to defend their choice of durotomy repair technique, should dehiscence occur. Level of Evidence: 3
Source: Spine - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Health Services Research Source Type: research