Insights into orthopedic and trauma emergency care and current challenges in Germany

The reform of emergency and acute care in Germany focuses on efficiently managing patient flows to reduce overcrowding in emergency departments, primarily caused by a rise in patients with low urgency and a lack of alternative care options. The aim of this work was to analyze the emergency care of orthopedic and trauma surgery patients in a Level I trauma center in order to improve patient care and manage resources more effectively.

In this retrospective study, the data of orthopaedic and trauma surgery patients from the emergency department of a university in 2022 were analyzed. Data included demographics, triage levels, transport modes, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. Process metrics like length of stay and time to medical contact were also evaluated. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted to examine patient distribution and resource use.

A total of 9414 patients (47.5% females; mean age 42.4 ± 24.1 years) were included, with 7500 treated for trauma and 1914 for orthopedic diagnoses. Most patients (79.6%) received outpatient care, while 21.3% were admitted as inpatients. Manchester Triage System distribution revealed 48.5% green, 31.0% yellow, 14.8% orange, and 0.8% red. The most common MTS flowcharts were limb problems (38.3%), falls (19.7%), and back pain (11.1%). Ambulance transport accounted for 33.7% of arrivals, while 65.1% presented independently. The average length of stay in the ED was 213 min, varying significantly across triage categories and working hours.

This study highlights key challenges in orthopedic and trauma emergency care, emphasizing the prevalence of low-urgency cases contributing to overcrowding. Enhancing outpatient care capacity and implementing reforms like integrated emergency centers and optimized triage systems are crucial to improving efficiency and aligning resources with patient needs.