PURPOSE: Failure to detect lesions of the musculoskeletal system is a frequent cause of malpractice claims against radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined all the malpractice claims related to alleged errors in musculoskeletal imaging filed against Italian radiologists over a period of 14 years (1993-2006). RESULTS: During the period considered, a total of 416 claims for alleged diagnostic errors relating to the musculoskeletal system were filed against radiologists; of these, 389 (93.5%) concerned failure to report fractures, and 15 (3.6%) failure to diagnose a tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect interpretation of bone pathology is among the most common causes of litigation against radiologists; alone, it accounts for 36.4% of all malpractice claims filed during the observation period. Awareness of this risk should encourage extreme caution and diligence.
PURPOSE: Failure to detect lesions of the musculoskeletal system is a frequent cause of malpractice claims against radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined all the malpractice claims related to alleged errors in musculoskeletal imaging filed against Italian radiologists over a period of 14 years (1993-2006). RESULTS: During the period considered, a total of 416 claims for alleged diagnostic errors relating to the musculoskeletal system were filed against radiologists; of these, 389 (93.5%) concerned failure to report fractures, and 15 (3.6%) failure to diagnose a tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect interpretation of bone pathology is among the most common causes of litigation against radiologists; alone, it accounts for 36.4% of all malpractice claims filed during the observation period. Awareness of this risk should encourage extreme caution and diligence.
Authors: Joann G Elmore; Stephen H Taplin; William E Barlow; Gary R Cutter; Carl J D'Orsi; R Edward Hendrick; Linn A Abraham; Jessica S Fosse; Patricia A Carney Journal: Radiology Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 11.105
Authors: David M Studdert; Michelle M Mello; William M Sage; Catherine M DesRoches; Jordon Peugh; Kinga Zapert; Troyen A Brennan Journal: JAMA Date: 2005-06-01 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Vivian van Breest Smallenburg; Wikke Setz-Pels; Johanna H Groenewoud; Adri C Voogd; Frits H Jansen; Marieke W J Louwman; Alexander V Tielbeek; Lucien E M Duijm Journal: Int J Cancer Date: 2012-01-11 Impact factor: 7.396