Malpractice claims related to musculoskeletal imaging. Incidence and anatomical location of lesions

Abstract

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.