Changes in acute and trauma hand surgery in the first Covid-19 lockdown in a German trauma center: a retrospective analysis of 338 cases

Klietz, Marie-Luise; Aitzetmüller, Matthias M.; Glasbrenner, Johannes; Raschke, Michael J.; Langer, Martin F.; Oeckenpöhler, Simon

Abstract

Although Covid-19 and especially lockdown periods have affected our everyday live, its impact on hand traumatology is under investigated.; We retrospectively analyzed all patients presenting at a FESSH accredited HTRC and level 1 trauma center in Germany during the Covid-19 lockdown period and an equivalent timeframe in 2019 regarding incidence of hand trauma, injury mechanism, type of injury and hand surgeries.; 338 patients presented at our department with acute hand injuries. A significant reduction of work-related accidents was found during lockdown contrary to an increase of do-it-yourself related trauma. Although the incidence of hand trauma decreased during lockdown by 18%, the rate of hand surgery increased in absolute and relative numbers.; Although Covid-19 has negatively impacting elective and semi-elective surgeries, acute hand surgery has gained in importance represented by a shift from work related to do-it-yourself trauma and an increased rate of surgical treatment.; IV (therapeutic). - INTRODUCTION - MATERIALS AND METHODS - RESULTS - CONCLUSIONS - LEVEL OF EVIDENCE