Description
This transcript features a talk by Alex Trompeter, an orthopedic surgeon from St George's, London, discussing the medical legal implications of trauma guidelines, particularly focusing on the use of imaging in surgery. He emphasizes his experience of about 10 years in dealing with complex injuries and his involvement in the development of BOASTS (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma).
Trompeter provides case examples to illustrate the significance of adhering to radiographic guidelines during surgical procedures. He explains how missed or inadequate imaging can lead to complications in treatments, using a pediatric forearm fracture and a proximal femur fracture as key examples. Each case reveals how crucial thorough imaging is for proper patient management and how its absence can lead to severe complications, thereby stressing the importance of documenting and evaluating images taken during operations.
He outlines the regulatory framework governing the use of ionizing radiation in medical practice and points out that the obligation to assess imaging falls on orthopedic surgeons, not just radiologists. Trompeter provides insight into current guidelines, such as NICE and BOAST guidance, discussing their roles in shaping clinical practice and audit standards. He notes that while such guidelines aim to improve care standards, they might not always be legally defendable in the face of malpractice claims.
Ultimately, Trompeter encourages practitioners to become familiar with these guidelines and their implications on patient care and legal responsibilities, underlining the need for orthopedic surgeons to take ownership of imaging evaluations in theatrical settings.