Surgical Management of Extremity Fractures in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is spreading rapidly and potentially affects every person, including fracture patients. This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate our primary months’ experience of surgical treatment of fractures in COVID-19 infected patients in order to assist in better decision-making in the next waves of the infection. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 patients with orthopedic trauma and COVID-19 infection were included from 2 trauma centers during February and March 2020 Results: Most of the patients were younger than 40 year of age. The most common COVID-19 related symptom at presentation was malaise, and a hypoxia rate of 85.7% was detected among the patients. Two-thirds of the fractures were in the lower extremities. One patient expired, but all others were discharged with no follow-up complications. Conclusion: Surgical management of fractures in COVID-19 patients is inevitable. To achieve this, sensitive screening techniques and standard protection measures are essential.