The orthopaedic experience of COVID-19: A literature review

Abstract

This literature review aims to provide an account of the changes to orthopaedics in the era of COVID-19. Herein, the authors explored the use of telemedicine in orthopaedics as well as changes in surgical protocols, screening methods, work priorities and orthopaedic education. There was increased utilisation of telemedicine in orthopaedic training and outpatient cases as a means to provide continuity in education and care. The need to implement social distancing measures, coupled with the reduced availability of staff, has dictated that the practice of orthopaedics shifts to focus on acute care whilst redistributing resources to front-line specialities. This was facilitated by the cancellation of electives and the reduction of outpatient clinics. Thus, it is demonstrated that major changes have been implemented in many aspects of orthopaedic practice in order to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Proximal Femur Fracture in Older Adults—A Lethal Combination? An Analysis of the Registry for Geriatric Trauma (ATR-DGU)

“…It is commonly agreed that fractures of the proximal femur should be treated within 24 hours. In the context of COVID-19, the logistical challenges for hospitals in guaranteeing immediate surgery are considerable, 13,14 and as a matter of current debate, the influence of the best time to surgery remains unknown. 15e18 Our data showed no difference in time to surgery, and hospitals were able to provide surgery within 24 hours for most patients (77.9% and 74%), independently of whether they had tested positive or negative (P ¼ .436).…”

Questionnaire survey about the effects of new lifestyles during the pandemic of COVID-19 on upper limb diseases

“…Patients have refrained from visiting hospitals, and hospital visits have been restricted. [ 8 ] All of this has resulted in various effects on health. [ 9 ].…”

Trends in upper extremity injuries presenting to emergency departments during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a tremendous strain on the U.S. healthcare system, necessitating fundamental changes in practice across all specialties including orthopaedic surgery and emergency medicine [ [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] ]. The impact of the pandemic on MSK injury presentation, particularly UE injuries, has not been fully elucidated.…”