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Karmali S, Saxena S, Richards O, Thompson W, McFaull SR, Pike I. What was the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on unintentional injuries, in Canada and globally? A scoping review investigating how lockdown measures impacted the global burden of unintentional injury. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1385452. [PMID: 38887259 PMCID: PMC11180821 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1385452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Injuries are among the leading causes for hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. COVID-19 restrictions ensured safety to Canadians, but also negatively impacted health outcomes, including increasing rates of certain injuries. These differences in trends have been reported internationally however the evidence is scattered and needs to be better understood to identify opportunities for public education and to prepare for future outbreaks. Objective A scoping review was conducted to synthesize evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on unintentional injuries in Canada, compared to other countries. Methods Studies investigating unintentional injuries among all ages during COVID-19 from any country, published in English between December 2019 and July 2021, were included. Intentional injuries and/or previous pandemics were excluded. Four databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus), and a gray literature search was also conducted. Results The search yielded 3,041 results, and 189 articles were selected for extraction. A total of 41 reports were included from the gray literature search. Final studies included research from: Europe (n = 85); North America (n = 44); Asia (n = 32); Oceania (n = 12); Africa (n = 8); South America (n = 4); and multi-country (n = 4). Most studies reported higher occurrence of injuries/trauma among males, and the average age across studies was 46 years. The following mechanisms of injury were reported on most frequently: motor vehicle collisions (MVCs; n = 134), falls (n = 104), sports/recreation (n = 65), non-motorized vehicle (n = 31), and occupational (n = 24). Injuries occurring at home (e.g., gardening, home improvement projects) increased, and injuries occurring at schools, workplaces, and public spaces decreased. Overall, decreases were observed in occupational injuries and those resulting from sport/recreation, pedestrian-related, and crush/trap incidents. Decreases were also seen in MVCs and burns, however the severity of injury from these causes increased during the pandemic period. Increases were observed in poisonings, non-motorized vehicle collisions, lacerations, drownings, trampoline injuries; and, foreign body ingestions. Implications Findings from this review can inform interventions and policies to identify gaps in public education, promote safety within the home, and decrease the negative impact of future stay-at-home measures on unintentional injury among Canadians and populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazya Karmali
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Ian Pike
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Delbrück H, Lambertz E, Migliorini F, Berger N, Hildebrand F. Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalisations at a paediatric traumatology department during 2020: a single-centre observational study and comprehensive literature review. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2024; 50:591-601. [PMID: 38286949 PMCID: PMC11035450 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-024-02453-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigates changes in the injury characteristics of hospitalised children in a paediatric trauma centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data from injured children from the pre-pandemic year 2019 were compared to the pandemic year 2020 using Pearson's chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The period of highly restrictive regulations (HRP) was evaluated separately. A comprehensive literature review with defined search terms resulted in a descriptive data synthesis. RESULTS Data from 865 patients indicated reductions in admissions of 5.6% and 54.4% during the HRP. In 2020, the hospitalisation time was longer (2.2 ± 2.7 days in 2019 vs. 2.4 ± 2.6 in 2020, p = 0.045); the proportions of wounds requiring surgical therapy (p = 0.008) and of observational treatments, primarily for mild brain injuries (p = 0.046), were higher; and conservative treatments, primarily for contusions, were lower (p = 0.005). There were no significant changes in age, location of lesions, or frequency of surgical therapy; nor were there differences in the HRP, except for fewer injuries in school and kindergarten (p < 0.001). The literature review summarises the main results of 79 studies. CONCLUSION Limited resources did not alter the indications for surgical therapy. Further studies should examine whether the more common injuries sustained at home were caused by excessive work/childcare demands on parents. Reduced inpatient conservative treatment implies that hospital resources possibly were overused previously. The literature offers answers to many detailed questions regarding childhood injuries during a pandemic and more efficient safe treatment. Registration Ethical committee of RWTH Aachen University EK 22-320; Center for Translational & Clinical Research RWTH Aachen University (CTC-A) 21-430.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heide Delbrück
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Ellen Lambertz
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Nina Berger
- Department of Neuromuscular and Paediatric Orthopaedics, Klinikum Dritter Orden München - Nymphenburg, Menzinger Strasse 44, 80638, München, Germany
| | - Frank Hildebrand
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Patel NS, Waibel BH, Berning BJ, Terzian WTH, Evans CH, Hanna AM, Hamill ME. Kids gone wild - Alcohol use and patient characteristics in pediatric trauma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Pediatr Investig 2023; 7:225-232. [PMID: 38050539 PMCID: PMC10693660 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic effects on pediatric trauma have been variable. Objective We investigated the characteristics of pediatric trauma including alcohol use during the pandemic at our urban trauma center. Methods The trauma database of our adult level 1 trauma center was queried for all pediatric (age ≤ 18 years) patients presenting between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2020. Data from 2017 to 2019 served as a control. Variables analyzed included demographics, mechanisms, injury severity, hospitalization characteristics, and positive blood alcohol. Results Pandemic pediatric trauma volumes increased by 67.5% (330/year vs. 197/year). Pandemic patients were younger (median age 13 vs. 14 years, P = 0.011), but similar in gender, ethnicity, severity, hospital length of stay, mortality, and rates of penetrating injury. Falls doubled (79/year vs. 34/year) and shifted away from high falls >6 meters (0% vs. 7.9%) to moderate falls 1-6 meters (58.2% vs. 51.5%) (P = 0.028). Transportation injury rates were similar however mechanisms shifted from motor vehicle crashes (-13.5%) towards recreational vehicles including motorcycles (+2.1%), all-terrain vehicles (+8.6%), and bicycles (+3.8%) (P = 0.018). Pediatric-positive blood alcohol was significantly higher (11.2% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001), especially for ages 14-18 years (21.7% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001). Interpretation Pediatric trauma volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic increased. Pandemic patients had more recreational vehicle injuries and higher rates of positive blood alcohol. This suggests an increased need for alcohol assessment and targeted interventions in the pediatric population during pandemics or periods of school closures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neesha S Patel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Brett H Waibel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Bennett J Berning
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - WT Hillman Terzian
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Charity H Evans
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Angela M Hanna
- Department of SurgeryDivision of General and Thoracic Pediatric SugeryChildren's Hospital and Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Mark E Hamill
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care SurgeryUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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Park H, Kang H, Yoon S, Jeong S, Lee S. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Adolescent Fractures in the Republic of Korea. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1671. [PMID: 37763789 PMCID: PMC10537179 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Restrictions on daily activities to slow down the propagation of COVID-19 have changed the epidemiological pattern of pediatric fractures in many countries. However, the effect of the pandemic on pediatric fractures has not been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 on early adolescent fractures in Korea. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective follow-up on a nationwide cohort of Korean early adolescents born between 2006 and 2009. The prevalence and incidence of pediatric fractures and the frequency of surgical treatment were compared between two different eras. Results: The prevalence and incidence of fractures during the pandemic have both shown a significant decrease: prevalence reduced from 34,626 to 24,789 (p < 0.001), while incidence decreased from 29,804 to 18,898 (p < 0.001). Considering sex, the shift in fracture prevalence was statistically significant (p = 0.020), whereas the incidence was not (p = 0.862). The decline in both fracture prevalence and incidence exhibited significant variation across birth year groups (prevalence, p < 0.001; incidence, p < 0.001), with a more pronounced reduction observed in the older age groups. While the proportion of patients who required surgeries has increased, the mean frequency of surgical treatment per patient remained at a similar level (by prevalence, p = 0.181; by incidence, p = 0.735). The decline in both fracture prevalence and incidence has shown significant variation in relation to fracture sites (prevalence, p < 0.001; incidence, p < 0.001), with a decrease in distal limb fractures and an increase in forearm and axial body fractures. Conclusions: The pediatric fracture pattern in Korea has been notably influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, warranting further investigation into causal factors. Our findings should help predict epidemiology in the post-pandemic period and thus aid policymaking and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyunSeo Park
- CHA University School of Medicine, 120 Hyeryong-ro, Pocheon-si 11160, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (H.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Hogyeong Kang
- CHA University School of Medicine, 120 Hyeryong-ro, Pocheon-si 11160, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (H.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Siyeong Yoon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Simho Jeong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Soonchul Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.); (S.J.)
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Jojczuk M, Pawlikowski J, Kamiński P, Głuchowski D, Naylor K, Gajewski J, Karpiński R, Krakowski P, Jonak J, Nogalski A, Czerwiński D. Evaluating Changes in Trauma Epidemiology during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Insights and Implications for Public Health and Disaster Preparedness. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2436. [PMID: 37685470 PMCID: PMC10486767 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic demanded changes in healthcare systems worldwide. The lockdown brought about difficulties in healthcare access. However, trauma still required further attention considering its modifications. The presented study aims to investigate the variances in epidemiological patterns of trauma during the lockdown and the previous year, with a view to better understand the modifications in healthcare provision. The authors analyzed data from the first lockdown in 2020 (12 March-30 May) and the same period in 2019 from 35 hospitals in Lublin Province. A total of 10,806 patients in 2019 and 5212 patients in 2020 were included in the research. The uncovered changes adhered to the total admissions and mortality rate, the frequency of injuries in particular body regions, and injury mechanisms. The lockdown period resulted in a reduction in trauma, requiring an altered approach to healthcare provision. Our research indicates that the altered approach facilitated during such periods is essential for delivering tailored help to trauma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Jojczuk
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.J.); (P.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Jakub Pawlikowski
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Piotr Kamiński
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.J.); (P.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Dariusz Głuchowski
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland; (D.G.)
| | - Katarzyna Naylor
- Independent Unit of Emergency Medical Services and Specialist Emergency, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Gajewski
- Department of Machine Design and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland; (J.G.)
| | - Robert Karpiński
- Department of Machine Design and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland; (J.G.)
- I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland
| | - Przemysław Krakowski
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.J.); (P.K.); (A.N.)
- Orthopaedic and Sports Traumatology Department, Carolina Medical Center, Pory 78, 02-757 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Józef Jonak
- Department of Machine Design and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland; (J.G.)
| | - Adam Nogalski
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.J.); (P.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Dariusz Czerwiński
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland; (D.G.)
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Blumberg MP, Gittelman MA, Pomerantz WJ. Pediatric outdoor recreational injuries: another hidden concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:29. [PMID: 37386561 PMCID: PMC10311709 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational equipment sales rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated changes in the incidence of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits related to outdoor recreational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large children's hospital with a level 1 trauma center. Data were obtained from PED electronic medical records of children 5-14 years with a visit from March 23-September 1 in years 2015-2020. Patients with an ICD-10 code for injury associated with recreation and use of common outdoor recreational equipment were included. Initial pandemic year, 2020, was compared with pre-pandemic years (2015-2019). Data collected included patient demographics, injury characteristics, deprivation index, and disposition. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population and Chi-squared analysis was used determine relationships between groups. RESULTS There were 29,044 total injury visits during the study months with 4715 visits (16.2%) due to recreational mechanisms. A higher proportion of visits due to recreational injury visits occurred during the COVID pandemic (8.2%) compared to before (4.9%). Comparing patients included within the two times, were no differences in sex, ethnicity, or ED disposition. During the COVID pandemic, there was a higher percentage of White patients (80% vs 76%) and patients with commercial insurance (64% vs 55%). There was a significantly lower deprivation index for patients injured during the COVID pandemic. There were more injuries due to bicycles, ATV/motorbike, and non-motorized wheeled vehicles during the COVID pandemic. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in bicycle, ATV/motorbike, and non-motorized wheeled vehicle injuries. White patients with commercial insurance were more likely to be injured compared to years prior. A targeted approach to injury prevention initiatives should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa P. Blumberg
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML #2008, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 USA
| | - Michael A. Gittelman
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML #2008, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Wendy J. Pomerantz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML #2008, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
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Alongi A, D'Aiuto F, Montomoli C, Borrelli P. Impact of the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Emergency Department Attendance in a Tertiary Center in South Italy: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111638. [PMID: 37297778 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence shows a reduction in pediatric emergency department (PED) flows during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using interrupted time-series analysis, we evaluated the impact of different stages of the pandemic response on overall and cause-specific PED attendance at a tertiary hospital in south Italy. Our methods included evaluations of total visits, hospitalizations, accesses for critical illnesses and four etiological categories (transmissible and non-transmissible infectious diseases, trauma and mental-health) during March-December 2020, which were compared with analogous intervals from 2016 to 2019; the pandemic period was divided into three segments: the "first lockdown" (FL, 9 March-3 May), the "post-lockdown" (PL, 4 May-6 November) and the "second lockdown" (SL, 7 November-31 December). Our results showed that attendance dropped by a mean of 50.09% during the pandemic stages, while hospitalizations increased. Critical illnesses decreased during FL (incidence rate ratio -IRR- 0.37, 95% CI 0.13, 0.88) e SL (IRR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.74) and transmissible disease related visits reduced more markedly and persistently (FL: IRR 0.18, 95% CI 0.14, 0.24; PL: IRR 0.20, 95% CI 0.13, 0.31, SL: IRR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10, 0.29). Non-infectious diseases returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels by PL. We concluded that that the results highlight the specific effect of the late 2020 containment measures on transmissible infectious diseases and their burden on pediatric emergency resources. This evidence can inform resource allocation and interventions to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on pediatric populations and the health-care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Alongi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Di Cristina Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Aiuto
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Di Cristina Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Montomoli
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Borrelli
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Leung SCG, Kwok PP, Choi KYA. Epidemiological shift of paediatric fracture characteristics during COVID-19 in Hong Kong – a reflection on bone health crisis. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS, TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/22104917231166716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since the beginning of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, schools in Hong Kong were suspended intermittently as part of the anti-epidemic measure. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of paediatric fracture and bone health of children. Methods We recruited patients aged 3–17 admitted to tertiary paediatric orthopaedic trauma centres for fractures from 1st February 2020 till 4th March 2021 during COVID-19 period as study group and compared with patients admitted from 1st February 2019 till 31st January 2020 before COVID-19 as control group. Results Total number of admissions due to fracture was reduced by 49% (pre-COVID period: 345, COVID period: 177). Demographic data such as age, age group distribution, sex, location of fractures, energy of injury, prior history of fracture were comparable in the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients requiring operative treatment. Significant change was found in injury mechanisms, with injury related to body-powered vehicles (33.7%, n = 58) becoming the leading cause of injury during COVID period ( p < 0.001). There was significant drop in proportion of patient with injury from level ground fall ( p < 0.001) and sports ( p < 0.001). The percentage of obese children increased significantly ( p = 0.009) during the COVID period (32.7%, n = 48) than pre-COVID period (21.0%, n = 67). The proportion of patients with hypocalcaemia was found to be higher ( p = 0.002) during COVID period. Conclusions This study reflects paediatric bone health issues during COVID-19 pandemic. We postulate the reduction in fracture incidence, change in the distribution of injury mechanisms, and more obesity could be related to a more sedentary lifestyle during COVID period. Hypocalcaemia can be associated with reduced sunlight exposure, obesity, and lack of physical activities. If the problem is left neglected, it can lead to long-term bone health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- SCG Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - PP Kwok
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - KYA Choi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
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Longo UG, De Salvatore S, Mazzola A, Salvatore G, Mera BJ, Piergentili I, Denaro V. Colles' Fracture: An Epidemiological Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3956. [PMID: 36900966 PMCID: PMC10002201 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the yearly number of Colles' fractures in Italy from 2001 to 2016, based on official information found in hospitalization records. A secondary aim was to estimate the average length of hospitalization for patients with a Colles' fracture. A tertiary aim was to investigate the distribution of the procedures generally performed for Colles' fractures' treatment in Italy. An analysis of the National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) maintained at the Italian Ministry of Health, concerning the 15 years of our study (from 2001 to 2016) was performed. Data are anonymous and include the patient's age, sex, domicile, length of hospital stays (days), primary diagnoses and primary procedures. From 2001 to 2016, 120,932 procedures for Colles' fracture were performed in Italy, which represented an incidence of 14.8 procedures for every 100,000 adult Italian inhabitants. The main number of surgeries was found in the 65-69- and 70-74-year age groups. In the present study, we review the epidemiology of Colles' fractures in the Italian population, the burden of the disease on the national health care system (in terms of length of hospitalization) and the distribution of the main surgical procedures performed for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umile Giuseppe Longo
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Sergio De Salvatore
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mazzola
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salvatore
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Barbara Juliette Mera
- School of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ilaria Piergentili
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 200-00128 Roma, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 21-00128 Roma, Italy
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Maina C, Cioffi SPB, Altomare M, Spota A, Virdis F, Bini R, Ragozzino R, Renzi F, Reitano E, Corasaniti L, Macchini F, Chiara O, Cimbanassi S. Increasing Trend in Violence-Related Trauma and Suicide Attempts among Pediatric Trauma Patients: A 6-Year Analysis of Trauma Mechanisms and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010128. [PMID: 36675789 PMCID: PMC9864714 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. During the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19), different trends for pediatric trauma (PT) were described. This study aims to explore the trend over time of PT in our center, also considering the effects of COVID-19, focusing on trauma mechanisms, violence-related trauma (VRT) and intentionality, especially suicide attempts (SAs). Methods: All PT patients accepted at Niguarda Trauma Center (NTC) in Milan from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We considered demographics and clinical variables and performed descriptive and year comparison analyses. Results: There were 684 cases of PT accepted at NTC: 84 in 2015, 98 in 2016, 125 in 2017, 119 in 2018, 114 in 2019 and 144 in 2020 (p < 0.001), 66.2% male, mean age 9.88 (±5.17). We observed a higher number of traffic-related, fall-related injuries and an increasing trend for VRT and SAs, peaking in 2020. We report an increasing trend over time for head trauma (p = 0.002). The Injury Severity Score did not significantly change. During COVID-19 we recorded a higher number of self-presenting patients with low priority codes. Conclusions: NTC is the adult level I referral trauma center for the Milan urban area with pediatric commitment. During COVID-19, every traumatic emergency was centralized to NCT. In 2020, we observed an increasing trend in SAs and VRT among PT patients. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 restriction could explain this evidence. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of the pediatric population should not be underestimated. Focused interventions on psychological support and prevention of SAs and VRT should be implemented, especially during socio-demographic storms such as the last pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Maina
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
- General Surgery, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Piero Bernardo Cioffi
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3386032519
| | - Michele Altomare
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Spota
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Virdis
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Bini
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ragozzino
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Renzi
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Reitano
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Translational Medicine, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Corasaniti
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Macchini
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Chiara
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Cimbanassi
- Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation-State University of Milan-Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, ASST-GOM Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
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11
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Pediatric hospital admissions, case severity, and length of hospital stay during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary children's hospital in Switzerland. Infection 2022; 51:439-446. [PMID: 36065045 PMCID: PMC9444086 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 directly contributes to the burden of respiratory disease in children, but indirect effects of protective measures also need to be considered to assess the overall impact of the pandemic on children's health. Methods We retrospectively compared pre-pandemic and pandemic data of main admission diagnoses, sorted by ICD-10 diagnosis groups, in a tertiary children's hospital in Switzerland from 2017 until August 2021. Hospital admission rates, severity, and length of stay (LOS) of the individual ICD-10 groups during the pandemic were compared with three previous years accounting for seasonal differences. Results Among 20,168 hospital admissions (n = 13′950 in pre-pandemic years; n = 3′120 in 2020 and n = 3′098 in 2021), there were significant decreases in numbers of admissions for respiratory diseases during the early pandemic with a rebound in summer 2021. During the pandemic, admissions for non-respiratory infections, neoplasms, and skin diseases decreased but increased for trauma. Particularly, a drop in admissions for different respiratory infections [e.g. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bronchiolitis] was pronounced after introduction of strict measures, but admissions increased again after restrictions were loosened. While disease severity was lower for respiratory and neurologic diseases and bronchiolitis throughout the pandemic, gastrointestinal disease admissions had longer LOS and in the first pandemic year greater severity. For RSV and pneumonia, disease severity and LOS were higher in the first pandemic year and lower in the second pandemic year. Conclusion The pandemic and associated protective measures had a significant effect on respiratory and non-respiratory admissions, particularly with decreases in hospital admissions for respiratory infections followed by a rebound after loosening of measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-022-01911-x.
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12
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Schultz JD, Windmueller R, Rees AB, Wollenman LC, Lempert NL, Schoenecker JG, Moore-Lotridge SN. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Elbow Fractures: Marked Change in Management and Resource Utilization, Without a Change in Incidence. J Pediatr Orthop 2022; 42:401-407. [PMID: 35834374 PMCID: PMC9351513 DOI: 10.1097/bpo.0000000000002205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elbow fractures are the most common pediatric fractures requiring operative treatment. Although recent reports have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has markedly reduced the incidence of pediatric fractures, no study has specifically evaluated the impact on pediatric elbow fractures. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the incidence, severity, and resource utilization for managing pediatric elbow fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with prepandemic years. METHODS A prepandemic (2007 to 2017) cohort and a COVID-19 pandemic period (March 2020 to March 2021) cohort of pediatric elbow injuries from a single tertiary hospital were retrospectively examined and compared. Exclusion criteria included outside treatment or lack of diagnosis by an orthopedist. Presentation information, injury patterns, transport, and treatment requirements were collected. RESULTS Although the incidence of pediatric elbow fractures and rate of neurovascular injury were comparable, seasonal patterns were not sustained and the rate of fracture displacement was found to be significantly elevated in the COVID-19 period compared with nonpandemic years. Likewise, marked changes to where patients first presented (emergency department vs. Clinic), how the patients were transported, and the distance traveled for care were observed. Specifically, patients were more likely to present to the clinic, were more likely to self-transport instead of using emergency medical service transportation, and traveled a greater distance for care, on average. Aligning with these changes, the resources utilized for the treatment of pediatric elbow fracture markedly changed during the COVID-19 period. This study found that there was an increase in the overall number of surgeries performed, the total operative time required to treat elbow fractures, and the number of patients requiring admission during the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a contrasting viewpoint to prior reports, illustrating that the incidence of elbow fractures remained consistent during the COVID-19 period, whereas the operative volume and need for hospital admission increased compared with years prior. Furthermore, this study demonstrated how the COVID-19 pandemic altered the interface between pediatric patients with elbow fractures and our institution regarding the location of presentation and transportation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D. Schultz
- Departments of Orthopaedics
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Andrew B. Rees
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Atrium Musculoskeletal Institute, Charlotte, NC
| | - Lucas C. Wollenman
- Emergency Medicine
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Nathaniel L. Lempert
- Departments of Orthopaedics
- Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
| | - Jonathan G. Schoenecker
- Departments of Orthopaedics
- Pediatrics
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pharmacology
| | - Stephanie N. Moore-Lotridge
- Departments of Orthopaedics
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
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Oh CH, Yoon S, Ko KR, Kwon YW, Kim KM, Park HS, Kang H, Jang I, Lee S. Epidemiology of pediatric fractures before versus during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Clin Exp Pediatr 2022; 65:330-336. [PMID: 35681247 PMCID: PMC9263426 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2021.01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported changes in the prevalence of childhood fractures between the prepandemic and coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic periods considering the overall decrease in activity during the latter. This review aimed to organize and summarize the global trends in pediatric fracture incidence. Our findings should help predict fracture patterns in the postpandemic period by identifying changes in the past and present, thus aiding patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Oh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Siyeong Yoon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyung Rae Ko
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Woo Kwon
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Kyeong Mi Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, CHA Ilsan Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | | | | | - Inseok Jang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Soonchul Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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Course of Treatment and Short-Term Outcome of Surgically Treated Paediatric Upper Limb Fractures during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Experiences of a Level 1 Trauma Centre in Central Europe. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020172. [PMID: 35204893 PMCID: PMC8869784 DOI: 10.3390/children9020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions led to a reduced number of surgeries. This study examines its impact on the course of treatment and clinical outcome of surgically treated paediatric upper limb fractures during that specific period. This retrospective cohort study evaluated all children aged 0–18 years presenting with an upper limb fracture treated surgically at the level 1 trauma centre of the University Clinic of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery of Vienna within lockdown from 16 March to 29 May 2020 (definition applied through corresponding legislation) compared to the same period from 2015 to 2019. A total number of 127 children (m:63; f:44) were included. The lockdown did not lead to a significant increase in complications during and after initial surgery. Time until removal of implant was not significantly prolonged (p = 0.068; p = 0.46). The clinical outcome did not significantly differ compared to previous years. The experience of a level 1 trauma centre showed that despite reduced surgical capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, no negative differences concerning course of treatment and clinical outcome of surgically treated paediatric upper limb fractures were present. These findings are still of importance since the COVID-19 pandemic continues and several countries in Central Europe are currently under their fourth lockdown.
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15
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Impact and Strategies on Joint Surgery Centers without Lockdowns during the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225392. [PMID: 34830674 PMCID: PMC8618289 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The real psychological impact of COVID-19 remains difficult to quantify and may differ between hospital sizes and levels. Taiwan’s response to COVID-19 differed in that it successfully prevented its spread, without implementing any lockdowns before May 2021. Patients’ fear would be the major reason for the reduction of surgeries. The daily data for patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty were collected from two major joint surgery centers of a university hospital and a community hospital in Taiwan. Compared with the previous year, the initial impact of the pandemic evidently reduced the total number of patients (outpatient: 20–29%; admission: 22–37%; surgery: 18–35%) in both hospitals. During the study period, the total number of TKAs decreased by 56–61% in both hospitals. The reduction in arthroplasty surgeries was attributable to patients’ fear. Even with confirmed COVID-19 cases, the university hospital experienced less impact than the community hospital. The TKA was the most affected of all surgery types. Even without local epidemics and restrictions in Taiwan, the worldwide pandemic inevitably led to a reduction of approximately 60% of the total TKA operation volume, especially for community hospitals. The surgery scheduling strategies helped maintain the routine arthroplasty services.
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