INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19)- pandemic impeded the treatment of elective shoulder patients all over the world. Due to the constraints in personnel and operation theatre capacities, many patients who should undergo planned surgeries could not receive medical care. In our study, we examined the status quo of elective shoulder arthroscopy during the pandemic in Germany. METHODS: Using a non-profit database, the 40 shoulder units that performed the most arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in Germany in 2018 were identified. Following a standardized protocol, the webpages of these units were screened and their strategy for elective procedures during the COVID19- pandemic was analyzed. Special emphasis was put on the use of new digital technologies. RESULTS: At the time of the study, no unit had stopped scheduling appointments for elective shoulder patients due to the pandemic. Almost all units (97.5%) offered explicit information about COVID19 and their strategies towards it. The possibilities of visiting patients in shoulder units varied due to local restrictions. Two units (5%) offered digital consultations. CONCLUSION: At the time of the study, elective shoulder procedures could be planned and carried out at the largest centers in Germany. Local restrictions had a great influence on the organization of the procedure and hospital stay during the COVID19-pandemic. Digital consultations were not available in every unit.
Elective shoulder surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: the patients‘ perspective