Disruption of the Indian Orthopaedic Practice during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic

Abstract

impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice by conducting an online survey among the orthopedic surgeons in India. Materials and Methods: The survey (Google form) consisted of 20 questions concerning three topics: Four questions were addressed to the origin and surgical experience of the participant, 12 questions dealt with the potential disruption of orthopedic practice, and four questions addressed the influence of the pandemic on the particular surgeon. Results: Around 2000 orthopedic surgeons were contacted through email and social networking sites, of which 452 surgeons responded. Regarding arthroplasty procedures, only 17.2% of the participants stated that these procedures were being performed, of which 7.6% were operating regularly, while 9.6% were facing some delay. Around 80% of the participants stated that arthroscopic procedures were completely halted at their health-care centers. The surgeons also voiced their grievances regarding hampered post-operative follow-ups and physical rehabilitation. Conclusion: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the orthopedic practice in India is reported to be suffering from a severe disruption of services with a drastic reduction in arthroscopic procedures such as rotator cuff repair and cruciate ligament reconstruction and elective total joint arthroplasty. Only life and limb-threatening pathologies such as acute trauma management are currently being adequately attended to by most of the surgeons. The long-term effects of the lapse of services cannot be predicted as yet and should be considered very significant.