Pattern of Orthopedic Trauma during COVID-19 Crisis in Saudi Arabia: Report from Level I Trauma and COVID-19 Center

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide the pattern of orthopedic trauma catered at our center during the lockdown to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and compare it during the same period in the preceding year. Methods: A retrospective study of all trauma patients operated during partial and total lockdown during March– July 2020, was conducted at the orthopedic department of King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar. The data collected were age, gender, reason for hospital admission, date of injury and presentation, length of stay, and treatment provided. The exposure and transmission of the COVID-19 to healthy orthopedic staff were recorded. Results: During the lockdown, there were 71 admissions compared to 110 the year before, with a drop of 39 (35.4%) patients. The drop in the number of women and children was statistically significant (P < 0.05 and < 0.001, respectively). The majority of injuries were sustained from domestic accidents and road crashes. There was a significant increase in fractures of the vertebral column and distal radius (P < 0.002 and < 0.05, respectively). In the pre-COVID-19 period, the average time to discharge was 18.90 ± 12.74 days and the average time to discharge in COVID-19 period was 4.28 ± 3.52 days. Four orthopedic staffs were exposed to COVID-19-positive patients and one of the surgeons became positive. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic decreased orthopedic trauma admissions by 35% during the lockdown period and early surgery and discharge of the patients was possible due to proper planning.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pattern of Fractures in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

“…The study showed no significant association between demographics of trauma cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is logical as personal characteristics for susceptible personnel to trauma will not be affected by the trauma phase (nearly the same age and gender). Similar findings were found in the Al-Khobar study regarding age and gender differences, where the average age and adults' gender were similar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 5 ]. In contrast, a study done in Pennsylvania reported significant differences in traumatized ages but not for gender [ 7 ].…”

“…In Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia, the University Hospital found that there were 71 admissions during the quarantine compared to 110 in the previous year. The patient's number reduced by 35.4%, mainly in women and children groups [ 5 ]. The study showed no significant association between demographics of trauma cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is logical as personal characteristics for susceptible personnel to trauma will not be affected by the trauma phase (nearly the same age and gender).…”

“…Similar findings were also reported by a study in Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia, as most injuries were sustained from domestic and road traffic accidents. There was a significant increase in the vertebral column fractures (P < 0.002) and distal radius fractures (P < 0.05) [ 5 ]. Five of seven trauma centers in Pennsylvania have recently reported that there were fewer orthopedic injuries (4868 vs. 6603 yearly mean) in the COVID cohort, which led to fewer procedures (1763 vs. 2329 yearly mean [ 7 ].…”

“…A study done in Al-Khobar City showed that the lockdown period during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in orthopedic trauma admissions [ 5 ]. In Berlin, Germany, a retrospective study was done for orthopedic trauma cases during the COVID-19 lockdown period (35 days) in comparison with the control group from the period in 2019, and the result showed a decreased admissions rate during the shutdown period compared to the CTRL period [ 6 ].…”

The effect of COVID-19 on orthopedic elective/emergency procedures in a tertiary hospital Riyadh Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study

“…The study only counted patients admitted through the emergency room and did not count admissions through the clinic for emergency procedures. The study showed a significant decrease in the length of stay from 18.9 (Standard deviation = 12,7) to 4.3 (Standard deviation = 3.5) days [ 17 ]. We believe such a decrease is related to the new policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to decrease exposure to patients, staff and accommodate new admissions in overwhelming circumstances.…”