From a traumatological point of view, adolescents (12–18 years) represent a special group
of patients. This is due to their biomechanical characteristics being between pediatric and adult
fracture types. In Germany, they are treated by both pediatric and trauma surgeons. For this survey,
seven cases of adolescent fractures were evaluated by both pediatric and trauma surgeons and
their preferred treatment options were raised. The questionnaires were completed anonymously.
Additionally, information on the specialty and years of experience were asked. In total, 126 valid
questionnaires were obtained (from 78 pediatric and 48 trauma surgeons). The respondents’ mean
clinical experience was high (71.5% stated more than 10 years of surgical experience). For every single
exemplary case, a significant difference in therapy decisions between the groups could be found. For
the demonstrated seven cases, a tendency toward more operative and more invasive treatments was
found with trauma surgeons compared to pediatric surgeons. On the other hand, there was a risk
of underestimating the severity of fracture entities similar to adult fractures in pediatric surgeons.
Overall, a continuous interdisciplinary exchange between both surgical specialties is necessary to
ensure optimal treatment for adolescent fractures and to develop guidelines in the future.