[Digitalization in orthopedics and trauma surgery: current status of clinical and practical aspects 2020]

This article deals with the current state mid-2020 in the clinical and practical aspects from the perspective of orthopedics and trauma surgery. The risks, difficulties, potentials and options are discussed in detail. The following topics are specifically debated: infrastructure of telematics, apps and mobile health, online video consultation, electronic medical records and data protection. The advantages and disadvantages and the current state of each topic in the special case of orthopedics and trauma surgery are discussed. Additionally, seven meaningful examples from the field of digital applications are named. A survey of members of the Professional Association of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeons (BVOU) is described and analyzed. In a concluding perspective the current hurdles and future topics that need clarification are addressed.