1128 Fracture Neck of Femur Patients in The Age of Covid-19

Abstract

Abstract Aim The current climate of the COVID19 pandemic has forced various changes in the function of Trauma & Orthopaedic department and the management of fracture neck of femur (NOF) patients.We aim to assess the effect of reduced theatre capacity and delayed time to operative management due to the COVID19 outbreak on the 30-day mortality rate of fracture neck of femur (NOF) patients admitted to our trust. Method Retrospective data collection for all patients admitted to a single centre with NOF fractures since lockdown came into effect in England on March 23rd up to July 31st 2020 and the same time frame in 2019. Results During that period 129 patients were admitted with NOF fracture and of those 110 (85%) had outdoor injury and 19 (15%) were care home residents. The mean Length of Stay (LOS) was 8 days. In 2019, 121 patients were admitted, of whom 87 (72%) had outdoor injury and 34 (28%) were care home residents and the mean LOS was 22 days. In 2019 84% of patients went into theatre before 36 hours post-injury while only 70% in 2020. In 2020 8 patients treated conservatively while only 1 patient received conservative management in 2019.In total, during the COVID19 period there were 14 (11%) inpatient deaths, while only 2 (2%) inpatients deaths in 2019. The 30-day mortality rate was similar in both periods. Conclusions Due to COVID19 we noted a significant decrease in length of stay and increase in the conservative management of NOF fractures and inpatient deaths compared to 2019.