Traumatic orthopedic consultations in COVID-19 inpatients – A cross sectional analysis of results and a review of lessons in tele-orthopedics

Abstract

IntroductionCOVID-19 has led to intricate global challenges, among these, the impact on emergency and elective orthopedic services. Patients with COVID-19 often complain of musculoskeletal symptoms. The subsequent orthopedic consultations require careful assessment of possible inpatient trauma and to rule out any injuries that require active management. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis involving 13,580 admitted patients in a national quarantine center between March 2020 and April 2021. All patients with orthopedic consultations were included in the study, and were assessed by orthopedic surgeons in person. Patients were further evaluated for age, sex, presence of trauma, cause for consultation, diagnosis and management. ResultsSeventy-five orthopedic consultations were included, 44% females and 56% males. Of the 75 consultations, 29 (38%) were related to a history of inpatient trauma. Of the 29 cases, 11 sustained fractures of the distal radius, proximal humerus, femoral neck, clavicle and ankle. Four of which were treated operatively. Discussion and conclusionInpatient orthopedic consultations must be assessed carefully to avoid misdiagnoses. Elderly or frail patients are more likely to both; sustain trauma and fractures. Potential limitations of tele-orthopedics may be apparent here, especially in the presence of technological incompetence and high likelihood of fractures.