AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightWhen the restrictions and lockdowns were removed in the second wave, the frequency of fractures decreased, but the distribution of fractures was similar to the normal period in 2019.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and distribution of trauma surgeries performed in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the second phase of the pandemic, and the normal period before the pandemic. Methods: Three different time periods were determined.Group 1 represented the first wave of the pandemic, in which lockdowns andrestrictions were strictly applied and only emergency and trauma surgeries wereperformed, between 1 April and 31 May 2020. Group 2 represented the second waveof the pandemic, during which restrictions were not applied and only emergencyand trauma surgeries were performed, from 1 September to 31 October 2020. Group3 represented the normal period before the pandemic, including surgeriesperformed between 1 September and 31 October 2019. In addition, patients ineach group were divided into two groups as younger than 16 or older than 16 inorder to understand the difference between paediatric and adult orthopaedictraumas. The distribution of patients and their fractures were evaluated. Results: In Group 1, the rates of intra-articular fractures, distal extremity fractures, and proximal humerus fractures decreased, while the rate of proximal femur fractures increased (P 0.05 for the other fractures). Conclusion: We observed that the frequency of fractures decreased, and the distribution changed due to severe restrictions and lockdowns in the first wave of the pandemic. When the restrictions and lockdowns were removed in the second wave, the frequency of fractures decreased, but the distribution of fractures was similar to the normal period in 2019.