Golf Cart Accident in Orthopedic Surgery: Improper Hardware Selection and Consequences

Case Overview

This case study examines the case of an adult female who suffered serious injuries in a golf cart accident. The patient’s accident resulted in intertrochanteric femur fractures and left proximal humerus fractures, requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

It is alleged that the orthopedic surgeon selected and implanted improper hardware at the injury site, either due to its size or placement. Two additional surgeries were required for hardware removal and replacement.

To determine causation and standard of care, an orthopedic surgeon expert was requested to review the patient’s medical records.

Questions to the Orthopedic Surgery expert and their responses

How often do you perform ORIF procedures on femur and humerus fractures?

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in fracture care and orthopedic trauma, I work at a high-volume, ACS-certified level 1 trauma center in a busy urban environment. In my practice, I perform ORIF procedures on femur and humerus fractures almost every week.

What are the most pertinent measures that orthopedic surgeons can perform during ORIF procedures to minimize the need for revision surgery?

Reduction of the fracture and stable internal fixation are very pertinent measures in this case. These steps ensure proper alignment and stabilization of fractured bones. This is crucial for successful healing and minimizing revision surgery.

About the expert

This expert is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon with a specialization in orthopedic traumatology. They have completed an esteemed residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in orthopedic traumatology, and are currently board-certified in orthopedic surgery. In addition to their role as an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and the director of an orthopedic trauma fellowship program at a prominent medical school, they also serve as an orthopedic trauma specialist at multiple medical centers.