Evaluation of the current treatment concepts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for acute traumatic lesions to the prepatellar and olecranon bursa.

BACKGROUND: Although traumatic lacerations of the olecranon (OB) and praepatellar bursae (PB) are common entities often associated with complications, no study could be found on this injury. The aim of this study was to survey the current treatment concepts for acute traumatic laceration of the OB and PB in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international online survey was conducted among orthopaedic and trauma surgeons in Germany (TraumaNetwork DGU), Austria (Austrian Society of Trauma (ÖGU) and Orthopaedic (ÖGO) Surgeons) and Switzerland (Swiss Orthopaedic Surgeons and Swiss Society of Infectious Disease (CH)) (n=1967). The survey comprised of five demographical questions, the current treatment concepts were evaluated using a case study.

RESULTS: The overall-response-rate was 16% (12-46%). 88% of the responding physicians were male, aged 47.5 ± 10.2 years with a mean working experience of 20.1 ± 10.6 years. 54% of the surveyed physicians were either senior or chief physicians. Treatment concepts varied significantly between DGU and ÖGO/CH (p=0.02/p=0.006), no significant differences could be found between DGU and ÖGU. Generally, German and Austrian trauma surgeons favoured bursectomy (86.7%/90.9%) and immobilisation (68.3%/77.3%). Austrian orthopaedic surgeons performed fewer bursectomies (69.3%) but had the highest proportion for administering antibiotics (73.9%). Less than 50% of Swiss physicians indicated bursectomy as a treatment option.

CONCLUSION: Overall, this survey revealed a significant heterogeneity in treatment approaches in Central Europe. Further evidence is needed to identify the best treatment concepts for traumatic lacerations of the OB and PB.