Customized treatment protocols for patients with closed fracture in hospitals at varying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk

• Main Authors: Yu He, Zhong-Hua Guo, Yong-Guang Wu, Rui Li, Xie Xie, De-Hao Fu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-08-01
• Series: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Subjects: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); Risk level of the epidemic; Delayed surgery; Closed fracture; Treatment protocol; Optimization strategy
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04614-w

Abstract Background To determine an optimized treatment protocol during the COVID-19 epidemic for patients with closed fracture and delayed surgery. Methods The epidemic data of three hospitals, randomly selected from different administrative regions of Wuhan, were analyzed retrospectively from 23 January to 31 March 2020. Changes in the number of confirmed cases per day (cumulative and new) of each region were tracked as a reflection of changing epidemic risk levels. The risk level map was drawn. The epidemic status, treatment protocols, and treatment efficiencies for patients with closed fracture in the three hospitals were compared. Results Overall, 138 patients with closed fracture were admitted. Each hospital had established its own protocol, according to the initial perceived risk. Based on the risk level map, over the study period, the risk levels of the three regions changed independently and were not in sync. All patients recovered and were timely discharged. No staff member was detected with COVID-19. Conclusions The COVID-19 risk level of each area is dynamic. To optimize medical resources, avoid cross-infection, and improve efficiency, changes in epidemic risk should be monitored. For patients with closed fracture, treatment protocols should be adjusted according to changes in epidemic risk.