[How to Resume Elective Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic?]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted elective surgical procedures globally.
• Resuming orthopedic elective surgery requires careful planning to balance patient needs with infection control.
• Existing guidelines lacked specific protocols for orthopedic surgery resumption during pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop evidence-based guidelines for the safe resumption of orthopedic elective surgical activity.
• To establish criteria for prioritizing surgeries based on clinical urgency.
• To provide a framework for patient management throughout the surgical journey.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing classifications for surgical prioritization.
• Development of an organizational model for patient preparation and pathway management.
• Inclusion of safety rules for elective procedures and post-discharge monitoring strategies.

Main Results:

• A tiered system for prioritizing orthopedic surgeries based on clinical severity.
• Detailed protocols for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care.
• Recommendations for enhanced safety measures and remote patient monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The guidelines facilitate the safe and prioritized resumption of orthopedic elective surgery.
• Implementation of these protocols can minimize risks associated with COVID-19 during surgical care.
• This framework supports evidence-based decision-making for healthcare providers and institutions.