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Nerve injuries in orthopaedics: is there anything more we need to tell our patients?
Author(s) -
Ek Eugene T.,
Yu Emma P.,
Chan Jason T.,
Love Bruce R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2005.03314.x
Subject(s) - medicine , orthopedic surgery , general surgery , orthopedic procedures , medical emergency , surgery
Background: Perioperative nerve injuries are uncommon in most elective orthopaedic operations. However, despite the low incidence, patients tend to be most unforgiving when this complication occurs. The present study aims to determine the adequacy of the consent process, and seeks to identify deficiencies. Methods: All elective patients who experienced a perioperative nerve palsy between 1996 and 2003 were retrospectively identified. A telephone questionnaire assessed recall of the consent and risks discussed. Patients were asked what they would have liked to have been advised, and whether this would affect their decision for operation. Results: Twenty‐four of the 32 patients were contacted. From the questionnaire, 66.7% recalled discussing the risks of the operation. 66.7% would have liked to have discussed, in particular, risk of nerve palsy at time of consent. However, 83.3% of patients, knowing fully the risk of nerve injury, would still have proceeded with the operation. Of the 24 cases, only three had documentation of the risks discussed during consent. Conclusion: The need to adequately provide informed consent for nerve dysfunction is present. The present study demonstrates a dilemma between the provision of information and the creation of fear in the minds of recipients of surgery.