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Editorial
. 2020 Jun;28(6):1683-1689.
doi: 10.1007/s00167-020-06023-3. Epub 2020 Apr 25.

Management of orthopaedic and traumatology patients during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in northern Italy

Pietro Simone Randelli  1   2   3 , Riccardo Compagnoni  4   5   6
Affiliations
Editorial

Management of orthopaedic and traumatology patients during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in northern Italy

Pietro Simone Randelli et al. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to share northern Italy's experience in hospital re-organization and management of clinical pathways for traumatic and orthopaedic patients in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Authors collected regional recommendations to re-organize the healthcare system during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020. The specific protocols implemented in an orthopaedic hospital, selected as a regional hub for minor trauma, are analyzed and described in this article.

Results: Two referral centres were identified as the hubs for minor trauma to reduce the risk of overload in general hospitals. These two centres have specific features: an emergency room, specialized orthopaedic surgeons for joint diseases and trauma surgeons on-call 24/7. Patients with trauma without the need for a multi-disciplinary approach or needing non-deferrable elective orthopaedic surgery were moved to these hospitals. Authors report the internal protocols of one of these centres. All elective surgery was stopped, outpatient clinics limited to emergencies and specific pathways, ward and operating theatre dedicated to COVID-19-positive patients were implemented. An oropharyngeal swab was performed in the emergency room for all patients needing to be admitted, and patients were moved to a specific ward with single rooms to wait for the results. Specific courses were organized to demonstrate the correct use of personal protection equipment (PPE).

Conclusion: The structure of the orthopaedic hubs, and the internal protocols proposed, could help to improve the quality of assistance for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and reduce the risk of overload in general hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Coronavirus; Orthopaedic; Pathways; SARS-CoV-2; Traumatology; Triage.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart for patients referring to the emergency department and requiring an emergency surgical treatment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flowchart for hospitalization of patients referring to emergency department needing to plan a surgical treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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