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Massive cutback in orthopaedic healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liebensteiner, M C; Khosravi, I; Hirschmann, M T; Heuberer, P R; Thaler, M.
  • Liebensteiner MC; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
  • Khosravi I; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. ismail.khosravi@tirol-kliniken.at.
  • Hirschmann MT; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Kantonsspital Baselland, (Bruderholz, Liestal, Laufen), 4101, Bruderholz, Switzerland.
  • Heuberer PR; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc ; 28(6): 1705-1711, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1826407
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Due to the lack of evidence, it was the aim of the study to investigate current possible cutbacks in orthopaedic healthcare due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19).

METHODS:

An online survey was performed of orthopaedic surgeons in the German-speaking Arthroscopy Society (Gesellschaft für Arthroskopie und Gelenkchirurgie, AGA). The survey consisted of 20 questions concerning four topics four questions addressed the origin and surgical experience of the participant, 12 questions dealt with potential cutbacks in orthopaedic healthcare and 4 questions addressed the influence of the pandemic on the particular surgeon.

RESULTS:

Of 4234 contacted orthopaedic surgeons, 1399 responded. Regarding arthroscopic procedures between 10 and 30% of the participants stated that these were still being performed-with actual percentages depending on the specific joint and procedure. Only 6.2% of the participants stated that elective total joint arthroplasty was still being performed at their centre. In addition, physical rehabilitation and surgeons' postoperative follow-ups were severely affected.

CONCLUSION:

Orthopaedic healthcare services in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are suffering a drastic cutback due to COVID-19. A drastic reduction in arthroscopic procedures like rotator cuff repair and cruciate ligament reconstruction and an almost total shutdown of elective total joint arthroplasty were reported. Long-term consequences cannot be predicted yet. The described disruption in orthopaedic healthcare services has to be viewed as historic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Orthopedics / Pneumonia, Viral / Elective Surgical Procedures / Coronavirus Infections / Orthopedic Procedures / Delivery of Health Care Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Journal subject: Sports Medicine / Traumatology Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00167-020-06032-2

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Orthopedics / Pneumonia, Viral / Elective Surgical Procedures / Coronavirus Infections / Orthopedic Procedures / Delivery of Health Care Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Journal subject: Sports Medicine / Traumatology Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00167-020-06032-2