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