Massive cutback in orthopaedic healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Disruptions in elective procedures and rehabilitation services have been widely reported.
• Specific impacts on orthopaedic care in German-speaking regions remained largely unquantified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent of cutbacks in orthopaedic healthcare services in German-speaking countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the impact of the pandemic on various orthopaedic procedures, including arthroscopy and joint arthroplasty.
• To evaluate the effects on rehabilitation and postoperative follow-up care.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to orthopaedic surgeons affiliated with the German-speaking Arthroscopy Society (AGA).
• The survey comprised 20 questions covering surgeon demographics, surgical experience, perceived healthcare cutbacks, and pandemic influence.
• Data from 1399 respondents were analyzed to quantify the impact on orthopaedic services.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in arthroscopic procedures was reported, with 10-30% of participants still performing them, varying by joint and procedure.
• Elective total joint arthroplasty was nearly ceased, with only 6.2% of surgeons reporting ongoing procedures.
• Physical rehabilitation and postoperative follow-up care were severely impacted.

Conclusions:

• Orthopaedic healthcare services in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland experienced drastic cutbacks due to COVID-19.
• A substantial decrease in arthroscopic surgeries and an almost complete halt in elective total joint arthroplasty were observed.
• The long-term consequences of this historic disruption to orthopaedic care are yet to be determined.