ABSTRACT
Medico-legal issues in orthopaedic practice are increasing day by day. With the tremendous metamorphosis in the healthcare sector, incidents of lawsuits against orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals, in the name of medical negligence is on the rise. With every consumer redress forum being more inclined in protecting the consumers, it is imperative for practising Doctors to be more informed on the Medico-legal aspects of their field of practice. Most orthopaedic cases that lead to medico-legal cases result from trauma. Besides, these cases are seen in the Emergency Room, thereby resulting in critical and uncertain decisions. Unlike in other fields where the patient has an existing relationship before any complications occur, rapport-building has to begin much after the treatment has begun. Technological advances in the orthopaedic field, availability of online information on platforms like Google, lack of communication, cutthroat competition among orthopaedic surgeons, awareness about the consumer protection act, mob psychology, interference by anti-social elements and local politicians etc have brought orthopaedic practice at this stage. Following ethical aspects, keeping good repo with patients and society, keeping our documentation perfect and precise, and doing transparent and honest practice can save orthopaedic surgeons in long run. Having empathy towards patients and society, keeping workload in our control, helping each other in crisis, and no medical jousting are also important measures to do safe medical practice in the present era. Keeping in mind the mantra of coming together, working together, and working in harmony is of utmost importance for an orthopaedic practice in recent times.