[Medico-legal assessment in neurosurgical malpractice based on the material collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok].

INTRODUCTION Medical malpractice results from inadequate professional knowledge, incompliance to the present state of medical knowledge or negligence and inattention. The aim of the paper was the analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic malpractice based on casework material in the field of neurosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical malpractice cases were assessed according to the number and type in 25 medico-legal opinions issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok in years 2001-2006. RESULTS Majority of cases were craniocerebral injuries related to delayed diagnostics, incorrect treatment including withdrawn or improper surgery. In 5 cases (20%) medical malpractice was concluded. In 2 cases the death of patients was pronounced. In most cases medical malpractice was attributed to lacked or delayed diagnostics and improper technique during spinal surgery. CONCLUSIONS Relatively limited number of malpractice concluded may support correct knowledge and competence of medical doctors. Maximum attention should be kept during the examination of patients after general trauma, with special consideration of potential intracranial injuries. Diagnostic difficulties result from acute supradural hematomas.