Personal protection equipment for orthopaedic and trauma surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: The results of an EFORT survey initiative

Abstract

Orthopaedic and trauma surgeons performing surgery in the COVID-19 pandemic environment faced problems with availability, use, rationing, modification, compliance and recycling of personal protection equipment (PPE). Orthopaedic and trauma surgeons were not well informed concerning the use of PPE for aerosol-generating orthopaedic and trauma procedures. Scientific bodies, health authorities and management have provided insufficient guidelines for the use of PPE in aerosol-generating orthopaedic and trauma procedures. The availability of specific PPE for orthopaedic and trauma operating theatres is low. Hospital management and surgeons failed to address the quality of operating theatre ventilation or to conform to recommendations and guidelines. Operating theatre PPE negatively affected surgical performance by means of impaired vision, impaired communication, discomfort and fatigue. Existing PPE is not adequately designed for orthopaedic and trauma surgery, and therefore, novel or modified and improved devices are needed.