Background and purpose: Despite numerous advances in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, complaints against doctors and medical assistants are increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the complaints of patients against orthopedic surgeons in Mazandaran province, Iran.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done on the complaints of orthopedic malpractice cases made to Department of Forensic Medicine in Mazandaran province between 2011 and 2014.
Results: A total of 64 complaints was made in which the doctors were convicted in 49 cases (76.6%). The patients in these cases included 37 (75.5%) males and 12 (24.5%) females. The mean age of patients was 34.4 years. The most common complaint was malfunction Lack of organ function (39%, n=25). Among the cases 21 (42.9%) were admitted in state hospitals while 28 (57.7%) were hospitalized in private hospitals.
Conclusion: A considerable number of orthopedic malpractice claims was proved. In order to prevent such cases, appropriate planning is required.