Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic trauma workload in trauma centre, B.H.U., Varanasi, U.P.: Post COVID 19

Abstract

Introduction: This comparative study was aimed at analysing the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on Orthopaedic workload. Retrospective study was conducted in Dept of orthopaedics, Trauma Centre, BHU, Varanasi, U.P. Method: Retrospective comparative study of acute Orthopaedic Trauma referrals, operations, Hospital stay of patients for the 1st 3 months of post COVID period (20 march – 20june). We compared the data with same period in 2019. Data collected was analysed using simple statistical methods of percentage. Result: Post COVID 19 pandemic of 1st 3 months comparing with previous year same period there was 80.36 decreases in Orthopaedic surgical procedures done out of which 100% decrease in elective OT, 76.5% decrease in Emergency OT an 74% decrease in Minor OT and there was average 5 days increased hospital stay in admitted patients. Conclusion: The impact of COVID 19 pandemic led to a decline in number of acute Trauma referrals, and operations since implementing social distancing and lockdown measures and average 5 days increased in hospital stay in admitted patient due to delay in Covid 19 RT PCR report and availability of operation theatre.