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St Andrew's COVID-19 surgery safety study: hand trauma
B H Miranda1, D E Zberea1, R Pinto-Lopes1
1Centre for Hand Surgery, St Andrew's Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Patients undergoing hand trauma management during the COVID-19 pandemic faced no increased risk of death. This study demonstrates that surgical interventions are safe, supporting continued healthcare service provision.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for patient recovery.
- Hand trauma is a leading cause of emergency department visits globally.
- This study assessed COVID-19 risks in patients undergoing hand trauma management at a European tertiary referral center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the risk of COVID-19 related death in patients with hand trauma.
- To assess patient outcomes and satisfaction following operative and non-operative management during the pandemic.
- To inform healthcare providers on safe service adaptations for patient treatment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of patients referred to an integrated hand trauma service during the UK COVID-19 peak (April-May 2020).
- Patients were evaluated for 30-day COVID-19 related death.
- Randomized selection into non-operative (control) and operative (surgery) groups, followed up for 30 days.
Main Results:
- No COVID-19 related deaths were observed among 731 referred patients (566 operations).
- The control (n=100) and surgery (n=250) groups were well-matched for demographics, comorbidities, and COVID-19 exposure.
- No significant differences were found in service satisfaction, treatment outcomes, postoperative symptoms, or positive COVID-19 test rates between groups.
Conclusions:
- Continued safe provision of hand trauma services, including surgical management, is supported by these findings.
- No increased risk of COVID-19 related complications was identified for patients undergoing surgical hand trauma treatment.
- These results are essential for guiding healthcare adaptations and reinstating patient treatment during public health crises.
