Population Mobility and Adult Trauma Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Fragility Fracture Provision Remains a Priority

Description

This transcript outlines a presentation by Caitlin Brennan on a study examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult orthopedic trauma services. The study, conducted during the first 40 days of the pandemic, evaluated trauma patient referrals at a center serving a population of 900,000. It compared trauma cases from this period to those from the same timeframe a year before, highlighting significant reductions in overall trauma referrals (42% decrease), particularly in cases requiring surgery. The focus on fragility fractures remained consistent despite mobility restrictions, with an observed shift in the types of injuries reported, such as an increase in low-injury falls among older patients. Brennan emphasizes that while the pandemic has drastically altered service demands, the need for multidisciplinary care for fragility fractures persists, guiding future healthcare planning and resource allocation. The presentation concludes with a discussion regarding patient awareness of COVID risks during treatment and the adjustments made to maintain healthcare service continuity during the challenging circumstances.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210314

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