Presentation
A 28-year-old woman came to an orthopedic clinic with right hip pain lasting for two weeks.
Orthopedic Surgeon A’s physician’s assistant (PA) examined the patient and obtained x-rays. The results of the exam were “normal” and “no bony abnormalities” were found in the x-rays. The PA diagnosed trochanteric bursitis, and the patient was instructed to apply heat and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The patient returned to the clinic a month later with continued hip pain and was treated by the same PA. An injection of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and dexamethasone was administered in the right trochanteric bursa. No additional x-rays were obtained, and the patient was scheduled to return in one month. Orthopedic Surgeon A was not consulted about the patient’s symptoms or x-ray results from either visit.
Three weeks later, the patient returned to the clinic with disabling pain in the right hip after a fall. Upon examination by Orthopedic Surgeon B, x-rays were taken that revealed a fracture at the base of the cervical aspect of the femoral neck. X-rays from the original visit were re-examined and interpreted to show a stress fracture of the right hip. The next day, Orthopedic Surgeon B took the patient to surgery for an intramedullary nailing of the right femoral neck. The patient was discharged three days later with orders for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home health care.
At the patient’s first postoperative visit with Orthopedic Surgeon B, her incisions were noted to be healing well. The patient was instructed to continue “toe-touch” weight bearing and to return in four weeks.
On follow-up appointments, Orthopedic Surgeon B noted the patient reported pain over the greater trochanter, but denied groin pain when full weight bearing. X-rays at the first follow up showed “no evidence of fracture healing.” At each visit, the patient was instructed to weight-bear as tolerated in hopes of stimulating bone growth.
After another fall, the patient returned with groin pain. X-rays were negative for hardware failure or fracture displacement, but showed evidence of incomplete healing. CT scan revealed a nonunion of the femoral neck fracture at the base. Orthopedic Surgeon B recommended treatment with a bone stimulator.
At her next follow-up visit, the patient was treated by Orthopedic Surgeon A. X-rays showed filling in of the fracture at the base of the femoral head superiorly. The possibility of non-union was discussed, along with treatment options including the continuation of the bone stimulator or undergoing a procedure to remove the hardware and place a compression screw. The patient chose to continue with the bone stimulator.
The patient returned the next week with increased right hip pain. Orthopedic Surgeon B treated the patient, and x-rays showed some superior migration of the helical component of the trochanteric fixation nail (TFN). Orthopedic Surgeon A noted that the x-ray showed “further fragmentation” of the femoral head and a concern for avascular necrosis (AVN). These findings were discussed with the patient along with instructions to discontinue the bone stimulator. She was made aware of the possibility of a hip replacement if her femoral head continued to deteriorate. Orthopedic Surgeon A discussed the case with a trauma surgeon, who agreed to evaluate the patient.
Orthopedic Surgeon A documented that the consensus among the physicians, including a joint specialist, was to proceed with hardware removal and obtain an MRI to assess the viability of the femoral head. The patient returned for a preoperative visit the next day. Orthopedic Surgeon A told her that he would remove the TFN, previously placed during Orthopedic Surgeon B’s surgery, and perform a bone graft. He also confirmed the need for a future hip replacement.
The patient underwent the procedure to remove the hardware, TFN, and subsequent bone grafting of a defective right proximal femur. Orthopedic Surgeon A noted that the femoral head appeared stable.
A week later, at the patient’s first post-operative appointment, x-rays showed “no significant change in the alignment of the femoral head.” Orthopedic Surgeon A noted the basic cervical fracture of the right femur appeared to be in the advanced stages of healing. He instructed the patient to remain non-weight bearing and to return to the clinic in one month.
The patient failed to keep this appointment. Two weeks later, Orthopedic Surgeon A called the patient. The patient reported she was giving her hip more time to heal.
Two months later, the patient reported she had decided to proceed with a hip replacement to alleviate her pain. At this time, she was unable to walk without the assistance of crutches. Orthopedic Surgeon A referred the patient to Orthopedic Surgeon C, who performed a right total hip arthroplasty on the patient. At subsequent post-operative visits, the patient reported “minimal to no pain.”
Allegations
A lawsuit was filed against Orthopedic Surgeon A. Allegations included:
- failure to adequately supervise the PA;
- failure to timely review x-rays taken at the initial visit;
- failure to examine the patient on the second visit; and
- failure to adequately treat the patient.
Legal implications
The main issue in defending this case was Orthopedic Surgeon A’s responsibility to supervise the PA. Also, Orthopedist A expressed his opinion that the initial fracture most likely caused the development of AVN that led to the need for the hip replacement.
Disposition
This case was settled on behalf of Orthopedic Surgeon A.
Risk management considerations
The Texas Occupations Code 157.001 (b) states, “The delegating physician remains responsible for the medical acts of the person performing the delegated medical acts.” (1) The supervising physician must submit a statement to the TMB and Texas Physician Assistant Board that the physician will supervise the PA according to the TMB rules and will retain professional and legal responsibility for care rendered by the PA. (2) By doing so, the supervising physician oversees the activities of, and accepts responsibility for medical services provided by the PA. (3)
Sources
- Texas Occupations Code 157.001(b). Available at: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/OC/htm/OC.157.htm#157.001. Accessed February 19, 2015.
- Texas Occupations Code 204.205. Available at: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/OC/htm/OC.204.htm#204.002. Accessed February 19, 2015.
- Texas Occupations Code 204.204(a). Available at: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/OC/htm/OC.204.htm#204.204. Accessed February 19, 2015.
These closed claim studies are based on an actual malpractice claims from TMLT. These cases illustrates how action or inaction on the part of physicians led to allegations of professional liability, and how risk management techniques may have either prevented the outcome or increased the physician’s defensibility. These studies have been modified to protect the privacy of the physicians and patients.
