The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Algerian orthopedic surgery residency programs. Medical education has been negatively impacted. From an educational standpoint, teaching conferences for residents have been suspended. Grand rounds and in-person meetings have also been cancelled to comply with social distancing recommendations. In addition, most orthopaedic departments reduced the number of days per week worked by each resident and the number of residents in the hospital at any one time. Adapted measures must be taken to face this unprecedented challenge and ensure the continuity of training for our residents. The new technology solutions such as webinars should be integrated to the residents’ academic programs. Finally, maintaining resident wellbeing is an important factor to consider.

Introduction the purpose of this study was to assess the orthopaedic surgeons' perceptions and attitudes on COVID-19 related changes in their practice. Methods an online survey was shared with orthopaedic surgeons practicing in different countries. Results this study showed that orthopaedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization. Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination. Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopaedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed. Conclusion orthopaedic surgery departments have adapted their programs to face the unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quick measures were taken to reduce the risk of contamination in patients, medical staff and to allow hospitals to free up beds for treatment of patients with positive or suspected COVID-19.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the orthopaedic surgeons’ perceptions on COVID-19 related changes in their practice.MethodsAn online survey was shared with orthopaedic surgeons practicing in different countries.ResultsThis study showed that orthopaedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization. Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination. Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopaedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed.ConclusionsThough, orthopaedic surgeons are not in the frontline, they have an important role to play to face the increasing pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the changes imposed in their current practice, they have a role in providing support to other colleagues in the fight against this global crisis.