COVID-19 Crisis Effect: Experience at Two Orthopedic Trauma Units

• Published in: The Israel Medical Association journal 2021-02, Vol.23 (2), p.71-75
• Main Authors: Jumtins, Andris, Jakusonoka, Ruta, Vikmanis, Andris, Grigorjevs, Dmitrijs, Ciems, Modris, Krupenko, Ivans, Lerner, Alexander
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; COVID-19; Female; Hospitalization - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Latvia; Length of Stay - statistics & numerical data; Male; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal System - injuries; Musculoskeletal System - surgery; Orthopedic Procedures - statistics & numerical data; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Trauma Centers - statistics & numerical data; Wounds and Injuries - surgery; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1565-1088

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis has affected how hospitals work and has had an effect on orthopedic surgery. To compare patient management and low-energy and high-energy trauma treatment at two orthopedic trauma units during the COVID-19 crisis and to clarify resource demands and preparedness in orthopedic clinics during the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This retrospective study was conducted at two orthopedic trauma units from 14 March 2019 to 14 April 2019 and from 14 March 2020 to 14 April 2020. The proportion of patients admitted in the multi-trauma orthopedic unit decreased by one-third, the mean time interval from admission to surgery significantly decreased, and the number of surgeries and mean length of stay in hospital decreased in 2020 compared to the same test period in 2019. In the orthopedic trauma unit, the number of patients and surgeries also decreased. Our study highlights changes in orthopedic injury characteristics in two orthopedic units during the COVID-19 crisis in Latvia and compares these changes to data from the same time period one year earlier.