Regional trauma patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems, leading to service reconfigurations and resource demands.
• Trauma and orthopaedic units faced challenges including cancelled elective surgeries and altered trauma provision.
• Government-imposed restrictions on general population activity during COVID-19 prompted an investigation into potential changes in trauma patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in trauma referral patterns during COVID-19 related population restrictions.
• To assess the volume, aetiology, and trends of trauma cases during the pandemic.
• To inform planning and structures for maintaining treatment standards amidst altered trauma demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of referrals over a six-week period (March 15th to April 30th).
• Data collection from referral and populated databases.
• Analysis of trauma volume, aetiology, and trend changes.

Main Results:

• 159 referrals were analyzed from three hospitals, with a mean patient age of 55.
• Fracture and dislocation (F&A) injuries were most common (32%), followed by hip and wrist (H&W) injuries (28%).
• Trauma theatre activity decreased by 45.3% compared to the same period in 2019, with significant reductions in work and sport-related injuries.

Conclusions:

• The majority of trauma referrals during COVID-19 restrictions were home-based, indicating a decrease in overall trauma volume.
• Reduced work and sport-related injuries suggest compliance with public health guidelines.
• Maintaining treatment standards requires adaptive planning and dedicated structures for evolving trauma care needs.