Comparison of orthopedic fractures operated during the COVID-19 pandemic with the pre-pandemic period

Abstract

The duration of staying at home increased during the coronavirus pandemic due to the people’s instincts to protect themselves and lock down. The aim of this study is to compare the changes in orthopedic trauma patients operated in the same term of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.This retrospective study was conducted with data obtained from Malatya Training and Research Hospital and compared the Covid-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic period. Orthopedic trauma patients who were operated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology clinic between 24 March-1 July, 2020 and 24 March-1 July, 2019 were included in the study. The patients’ demographic characteristics (age and sex) and trauma-related information (type and site of the fracture, osteoporotic fracture, injury mechanism and treatment modality) were compared between two groups.There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the rates of osteoporotic fractures. We are in the opinion that arrangements for individuals with a high risk of osteoporotic fracture should be made where they can practice physical activities such as walking and exercising at certain times, when there is a lock down during the pandemic. Additionally, detailed studies on traumas that may occur due to increasing stress during such pandemics should be conducted. A total of 439 patients were included in the study. The traffic accidents were significantly lower in the pandemic group than the pre-pandemic group, simple falls were significantly higher in the pandemic group than the pre-pandemic group (P<0.05). Additionally, fractures induced by hitting a hard surface and gunshot wounds significantly increased in the pandemic group compared to the pre-pandemic group (P<0.05).