The Effect of Nationwide Lockdown in India on the Epidemiology of Injuries During the First Wave of COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract
 Introduction: The pattern of hospital admissions and medical care changed during the COVID pandemic.
 Aim
 To analyze the epidemiology and type of injuries sustained by patients attending the orthopedic emergency department during the pandemic and lockdown.
 Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study from 1-1-2020 to 31-12 2020. Patients attending the orthopedic emergency were grouped based on cause, type, and site of injury. The median number observed each day with IQR. The distribution of the same was compared between the prelockdown with lockdown period and the lockdown period with a phased unlocking period.
 Results: A total of 10513 patients were included. There was a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of patients needing inpatient care between the prelockdown phase and lockdown phase (p value.008). However, this was not seen between lockdown and postlockdown periods (p value.47). The proportion of road traffic accidents dropped from 26% to 15% during this time (p value .001). The proportion of contusions was reduced and that of soft tissue injuries increased (p value .001). The proportion of lower limb injuries decreased from the prelockdown phase to the lockdown phase, and that of spinal injury patients increased (p value.007). The proportion of patients with contusions increased and soft tissue injuries decreased during this period (p value .001). Lower limb injuries and road traffic accidents increased, and spinal injuries were reduced (p value .001).
 Discussion: The lockdown has affected the epidemiology of injuries attending the orthopedic emergency department of a level 1 trauma center in a developing country.