Epidemiology of Paediatric Trauma During National Lockdown: A Retrospective Study With 12 Months of Follow-Up

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic and its associated preventative measures such as national lockdown dramatically changed the daily activities of children. This paper aims to compare the epidemiology of paediatric orthopaedic trauma presentation, management and outcomes during the school closure period with the matched pre-pandemic period in 2019. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of data collected from the West Yorkshire Trauma Network, comprising a major trauma centre, Leeds General Infirmary, and five peripheral trauma units. All patients aged 0-18 years who required trauma unit management during the school closure period (18 March 2020-25 May 2020) were included. Cases for the matched period in 2019 were analysed for baseline comparison. Patient demographics, mechanism and anatomical location of injury, management and follow-up were assessed. ConclusionOur study showed a reduction in paediatric trauma presentations during the pandemic and a significant reduction in the average age at presentation. This change has been accompanied by a shift in the mechanism and anatomical location of injury, management and subsequent follow-up.