Nerve lesions after hip arthroplasty - Fate or treatment mistake

Introduction: Nerve lesions after hip arthroplasty are common complications which may imply the reproach of a treatment mistake. Thus, the decisive qu estion to the expert runs: fate or treatment mistake? Methods: Retrospective analysis of all cases dealt with at the medical expe rt commission of the General Medical Council Nordrhein during 1977-1997 in respect of the damage mechanisms and expert judgments. Results: As long as diagnosis and therapy were set on time, nerve lesions a fter hip arthroplasty due to extension, pressure or placement of the leg we re evaluated as fateful (81%). Delayed treatment as well as incorrect opera tion technique, -indication, or inadequate documentation were judged as a t reatment mistake (19%). Conclusion: Nerve lesions after hip arthroplasty cannot always be avoided a nd thus do not directly imply a treatment mistake. Immediate therapy and pr ecise documentation are important to minimize the damage.