[Development of orthopedics over the next 20 years].

The combination of orthopedic and traumatology surgery in one specialization allows the coexistence of specialized surgical subgroups. The long term morbidity forecast predicts an increased demand for orthopedic procedures for the next 20 years. The excellent training level must be maintained for the following generation of orthopedic and trauma surgeons. Besides the physicians, health care providers and hospitals as well as politics should help in mastering this difficult challenge. Orthopedic surgery and traumatology with a multitude of subspecialties remain an attractive specialty with a promising future.