COVID-19 Pandemic Podcast Series - The Italian Perspective

Description

The BJJ Podcast episode, led by Andrew Duckworth, delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the field of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, featuring Professor Luigi Zagra from the Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute in Milan, one of the hardest-hit regions in Italy. The conversation unfolds with an overview of the crisis in Italy, including stark statistics—132,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 17,000 deaths, many from Lombardy. Zagra recounts intense pressures on the healthcare system, including overwhelmed hospitals and a shortage of medical staff and equipment, forcing significant changes to surgical practices. Trauma and elective surgeries are severely impacted, with priorities shifting toward urgent trauma cases while elective surgeries are halted. The episode emphasizes the emotional and logistical challenges faced by medical professionals, the importance of teamwork, and the need for adaptability in response to an unpredictable healthcare landscape. The discourse also touches on the future of orthopaedic surgery post-COVID, highlighting the necessity for new protocols, remote consultations, and research into sustainable practices to manage forthcoming challenges.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210475

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