Due to revised conditions of medical care in Germany, in particular the introduction of the newly designated specialist for orthopaedics and trauma surgery, the working conditions in trauma surgical clinics in Germany has changed. In May 2008 the professional committee of the German Trauma Society conducted a survey at the 729 trauma surgical clinics and departments in order to establish the true level of care at these particular sites. The results of the 90,000 variables presented in the following article, reflect the changes in trauma care as well as in the medical care structures and emphasize the increased work load. In particular the lack of qualified candidates underlines the main explanation for vacant posts and is also evaluated in this article.