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. 2022 Jul;224(1 Pt A):120-124.
doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.03.033. Epub 2022 Mar 26.

Evaluating the change in patterns of traumatic injury in the setting of pandemic and social distancing restrictions: An analysis of a level 1 trauma center

Grace Ng  1 , Christian M Castro  2 , Marah Hamdan  3 , Humberto Salazar  4 , Sharon Joseph  5 , Bhaskar Thakur  6 , Stephanie Nemir  7 , Alan Tyroch  8
Affiliations

Evaluating the change in patterns of traumatic injury in the setting of pandemic and social distancing restrictions: An analysis of a level 1 trauma center

Grace Ng et al. Am J Surg. 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Social distancing measures and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to reported changes in traumatic injury patterns. We set to examine the effects of these restrictive guidelines in our trauma center.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated for traumatic injuries at a Level 1 trauma center during two time periods: March-June 2020 (COVID) and March-June 2019 (Pre-COVID).

Results: Overall trauma volume did not differ significantly between the two time periods. Changes seen during COVID included increases in penetrating injuries (12.5% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001), particularly those due to firearms (7.5% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and days on the ventilator remained consistent between the two groups. Trends toward increased injuries in the home and non-accidental trauma were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Traumatic injury patterns have changed as a result of social distancing in both the adult and pediatric trauma populations. Analyzing the effects of social distancing on trauma can lead to a better development of preventive strategies.

Keywords: Abuse; COVID; Injury; Pandemic; Trauma; Violence.

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