Management of Traumatic Spinal Fracture in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation

Abstract

The coronavirus outbreak was labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020. Patients who require spine surgery should receive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening to prevent nosocomial cross-infection before surgery. However, spine fracture and spinal injury are critical and serious, and there are no standard protocols for management. This article aims to propose a treatment algorithm for the management of traumatic spine fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Response to: Management of Traumatic Spinal Fracture in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation

“…We appreciate the letter regarding our manuscript titled "Management of traumatic spinal fracture in the coronavirus disease 2019 situation [1]. " We would like to thank the reader/s for reading our article.…”

“…1A). The authors recommended full PPE that is composed of fluid-resistant legs with shoe coverings, goggles, safety glasses, a face shield, a double layer of gloves, and a surgical mask that can be used with a standard N95 respirator [1]. A standard N95 respirator protects the wearer from exposure to airborne particles (e.g., dust, mist, fumes, fibers, and bioaerosols, such as viruses and bacteria) or respiratory system [2].…”

“…C For a high-risk patient who needs emergency spine surgery, the surgeon could co-manage the airway with the anesthesiologists [5] and the COVID-19 team [1] (Fig. 1B).…”

“…The authors want to establish a prototype to help protect health care professionals [1]. The authors preferred that this algorithm be revised or modified according to the updated knowledge about prevention, novel treatment, and laboratory testing technology for COVID-19.…”

Management of Traumatic Spinal Fracture in Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019

“…We found that the article on "Management of traumatic spinal fracture in the coronavirus disease 2019 situation" is very interesting. Sornsa-Ard et al [1] recommended protocols from Thailand for management of the patients. Thailand is the second country that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exists and there is already at least one case of COVID-19 in the patient with spine fracture according to local Thai Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report [2].…”