Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedics and Traumatology Service

Abstract

Objectives: Each country has followed different paths in the fight against the COVID 19 pandemic that started in 2019. The pandemic and the measures taken have affected the whole country. The aim of this study was to investigate how the pandemic affected the practice in the orthopedic clinic. Methods: Patients who presented at the Orthopedic Outpatients Clinic and Emergency Department with orthopedic complaints between March 15, 2020 and April 15, 2020, were screened. The diagnoses and treatments applied to these patients were recorded. These data were compared with equivalent periods in 2019 and 2018. Result: There was a significant increase in home accidents, sharp object injuries and diabetic foot wounds compared to the last two years, and a decrease in workplace accidents, traffic accidents and sports injuries (p= 0.040, p=0.000, p=0.037, respectively). The frequency of hip and wrist fractures increased, and the frequency of ankle fractures decreased (p=0.044, p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: It was seen that dealing with the pandemic should not only include interventions against the causative agent. Psychological support for individuals, attention focussed on home accidents, and the provision of home exercises, especially for senior citizens, should be recommended.