Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak has posed new problems in the context of patients suffering from other diseases. In particular, musculoskeletal sequelae related to the state of debilitation associated with COVID-19 are important to consider in elderly patients undergoing surgery after lower limbs fracture, especially in the post-operative period. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether COVID-19 influenced biochemical parameter, recovery and mortality of surgically treated patients suffering from lower extremity fractures. Methods: Laboratory and clinical data of 30 patients were extrapolated and analyzed in the pre-operative and post-operative periods. Among these patients, 13 had COVID-19 infection (COVID-19 +), whereas 17 had no signs of COVID-19 infections (COVID-19 −). Long-term clinical and functional outcomes were also analyzed. Results: Lower calcium, slightly higher values of CRP and much higher values of CPK and AST were observed pre-operatively in COVID-19 + patients, who also showed higher prevalence of long-term sequelae than COVID-19 − patients. Conclusions: COVID-19 affects long-term outcome of elderly patients with lower limb fractures in a multifactorial way. First, the virus directly damages the muscle tissue. Secondly, the lung function impairment worsens the overall performance, making rehabilitation more challenging.
Highlights
IntroductionFractures of the lower limbs, especially proximal femoral fractures, are quite common in the elderly
Introduction published maps and institutional affilFractures of the lower limbs, especially proximal femoral fractures, are quite common in the elderly
COVID-19 has been reported to be independently associated with an increased early mortality rate in hip fracture patients [2,3]
Summary
Fractures of the lower limbs, especially proximal femoral fractures, are quite common in the elderly This segment of the population is considered fragile due to the numerous comorbidities that can occur with increasing years; it represents a critical group of patients. For these patients, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a further danger. Musculoskeletal sequelae related to the state of debilitation associated with COVID-19 are important to consider in elderly patients undergoing surgery after lower limbs fracture, especially in the post-operative period. Methods: Laboratory and clinical data of 30 patients were extrapolated and analyzed in the pre-operative and post-operative periods Among these patients, 13 had COVID-19 infection (COVID-19 +), whereas 17 had no signs of COVID-19 infections (COVID-19 −). The lung function impairment worsens the overall performance, making rehabilitation more challenging
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