Total Hip Prosthesis in Dakar and Forensic Implication

Abstract

The total hip prosthesis is the ultimate treatment of the hip joint’s wear. It is a delicate surgery and the most common replacements. This study was performed in the Orthopaedic-Traumatology Department of Public Health Establishment of Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar. It aimed to determine the complications of our total hip and highlight their forensic implications. This is a retrospective study from patients collected from January 2000 up to December 2010. The collection of elements records was performed for each patient, based on a file including age, sex, primary-location’s etiology, and types of complications of total hip prostheses. The analysis of these complications has shown that infections, poorly lit information, poor operational planning and technical foul may be the main cause of a forensic implication. This is a retrospective study from patients collected from January 2000 up to December 2010. No lawsuit has been recorded for the complications identified in this work. This is due to the belief in fate, ignorance of the victims and solidarity of the medical profession, the high cost and slow pace of judicial proceedings. The diagnosis of total hip prosthesis complications is mainly based on imaging tests. The absence of scintigraphy in our center remains a limit to the early diagnosis of multiple complications and the proper establishment of the epidemiological profile of these lesions. Taking consciences patients of their rights encourages a legitimate requirement repair the harm inflicted.