Abstract
ObjectiveTo utilize Google trends to examine the effects of changing rules and regulations on public interest regarding elective spine surgery. MethodsThis is a retrospective review analyzing data from Google trends to quantify public interest in elective cervical and lumbar fusion as restrictions related to COVID-19 were released. Three time periods were created surrounding the release of restriction on elective surgery on March 13, 2020, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “Pre-COVID” was defined as the four-month period directly preceding the national ban on elective surgery (11/13/2019 to 3/13/2020). “COVID” was defined as the four-month time period directly after the national ban on elective surgery (3/13/20-7/13/20), and “Post-COVID” was defined as the time period starting four months after the restrictions on elective surgeries first took place (7/13/20-11/13/20). Relative search volume (RSV) was assessed during all three time periods and compared using an analysis of variance test. ResultsSearch volume for all terms pertaining to cervical and lumbar fusion declined precipitously after the release of restrictions on elective surgery. Additionally, search volume has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. However, for many of the terms public interest has been steadily increasing and signals the return in demand for these procedures. ConclusionPublic interest in elective spine surgery has been increasing as restrictions continue to loosen and many patients that deferred care will drive increased demand for the foreseeable future.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented issues for patients and the healthcare community as a whole
“Pre-COVID” was defined as the four-month period directly preceding the national ban on elective surgery (11/13/2019 to 3/13/2020)
The search terms ‘cervical fusion’, ‘cervical fusion surgery’ and ‘cervical spinal fusion’ for the cervical fusion group and ‘lumbar fusion’, ‘lumbar fusion surgery', ‘lumbar spinal fusion’ for the lumbar fusion group were entered on google trends
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented issues for patients and the healthcare community as a whole. There has been a sharp shift in the demand for elective orthopedic procedures [1]. The demand for these elective orthopedic procedures is strongly correlated with both the health of the economy and the stock market [2]. States declared COVID-19 to be a national emergency, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) followed shortly thereafter with restrictions on elective procedures [3,4]. A recommendation for healthcare facilities and surgical practices to “delay all elective surgeries, non-essential medical, surgical and dental procedures” was implemented. On 2 April 2020, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons followed by releasing a statement recommending all elective orthopedic surgeries be canceled or postponed until further notice [5]
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