The "COVID-19 Approach" to Distal Radius Fracture Management

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Public Health

Background:

• British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOAST) guidelines recommended non-operative treatment for distal radius fractures (DRFs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The pandemic prompted a shift in healthcare delivery, potentially impacting fracture management protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the UK's COVID-19 lockdown on the management of distal radius fractures.
• To assess any subsequent changes in patient outcomes or complication rates following altered DRF management during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a UK orthopaedic center.
• Data from patients with DRFs during the first lockdown were compared to data from the preceding year.
• Information collected included demographics, fracture characteristics, management, outcomes, and complications.

Main Results:

• Patients in the pre-COVID cohort had significantly more face-to-face clinic appointments.
• No significant differences were observed in patient complications or the need for revision surgery between the cohorts.
• A minimum follow-up period of 10 months was maintained for all patients.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly reduced the workload on fracture clinic services for DRFs.
• Despite reduced follow-up, there was no increase in complications or need for further surgical intervention.
• The study suggests that streamlined follow-up protocols for DRFs may be feasible without compromising patient outcomes.