[Allergic reactions to knee prostheses from the viewpoint of a trauma surgeon of the "Medizinischer Dienst der Krankenversicherung" (MDK)]

Abstract

The problems arising during the assessment of accused malpractice regarding the implantation of a knee prosthesis in a patient with a known nickel allergy are illustrated with an example. The elementary interrelations between malpractice assessment and civil law are referred to. The importance of giving detailed information to patients with a proved nickel allergy about complications in the use of standard prosthesis material is pointed out. The uncertain data situation and the problem of inadequate information in the case of a legal conflict demands a clear statement from the associations of orthopedic surgery about how to handle this subject matter in daily practice.