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

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Although Covid-19 and especially lockdown periods have affected our everyday live, its impact on hand traumatology is under investigated. Materials and methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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. Level of evidence IV (therapeutic).