Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery – A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Philipp Blum, David Putzer, Michael Liebensteiner, Dietmar Dammerer
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to significant disruptions in various medical specialties. We herein aimed to provide a systematic review of the published literature on the impact by the Covid-19 pandemic on orthopaedic and traumatological care by focusing on the number of clinical visits, surgeries and reasons for consultation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The published literature was reviewed using PubMed. Of 349 studies published between December 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020, 36 original articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles were selected on the basis of the PRISMA guidelines. October 1, 2020 was used as the concluding date of publication. RESULTS: The number of elective visits declined by 50.0% to 74.0%. The number of emergency and trauma visits showed a decrease of 37.7% to 74.2%. Trauma surgery decreased by 21.2% to 66.7% and elective surgeries by 33.3% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery is clearly influenced by the pandemic. It will be important to maintain treatment and surgical care of patients in order to avoid negative effects on treatment progress.