International orthopaedics
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This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma surgery training in Europe by conducting an online survey among orthopaedic trainees. ⋯ The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly affected orthopaedic and trauma training in Europe. Most trainees felt the decrease in clinical, surgical, and educational activities would have a detrimental effect on their training. Many of them consulted remote learning options to compensate training impairment, stating that after the COVID-19 pandemic electronic educational approaches may become more relevant in future.
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To evaluate the clinical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoarthritis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). ⋯ Patients with KBD undergoing primary TKA have excellent outcomes, comparable with OA at the final follow-up, in spite of worse pre-operative ROM, HSS score, and SF-36(MCS) score. However, KBD patients are worse than OA in terms of general health. Pre-operative age, gender, BMI, and the angles of knee prosthesis were not the factors influencing the clinical efficacy of TKA. The diagnosis of KBD was an independent risk factor for poor quality of life after TKA. Pre-operative pain was a clinically important predictor of outcome.
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Fracture neck of femur (hip fracture) is a very common problem among old age group. Such elderly patients usually have some comorbidities for which they may use anti-platelet therapy (such as clopidogrel, aspirin, or others) for long duration (chronic use). These anti-platelet medications might make the blood thin and increase bleeding tendency. So, if these elderly people present with fracture neck of femur requiring surgical intervention, they might be at increased risk of bleeding and other complications if the use of these anti-platelet agents was continued throughout the peri-operative period. ⋯ It is safe to continue the use of anti-platelet therapy throughout the peri-operative phase in patients with hip fracture surgery. The continuation of such therapy is not associated with increased risk of bleeding or blood transfusion or other complications in patients who had surgical treatment for femoral neck fracture.
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The review aims to provide a summary of the current literature regarding common medications prescribed in orthopaedic surgery and their potential implications in COVID-19 patients. ⋯ Eight main recommendations were derived from the review. Firstly, paracetamol remains the first line of analgesia and antipyretic. Secondly, there is no need to avoid NSAIDs for COVID-19 patients. Thirdly, opioids have the potential for immunosuppression in addition to respiratory depression and, therefore, should be prescribed with care in COVID-19 patients. Fourthly, patients with conditions where steroids are proven to be efficacious can continue to receive their steroids; otherwise, systemic steroids are not recommended for COVID-19 patients. Fifthly, orthopaedic surgeons following up on COVID-19 patients who are using steroids should continue to follow them up for possible avascular necrosis. Sixthly, whenever possible, oral anticoagulation should be converted to parental heparin. Seventhly, common orthopaedic antibiotics including penicillin and clindamycin are safe to continue for COVID-19 patients. However, for COVID-19 patients, the antibiotics can potentially be switched to macrolides and tetracyclines if the organisms are sensitive. Lastly, prescription for vitamins B, C and D should continue as per usual clinical practice.
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Meta Analysis
Time-sensitive ambulatory orthopaedic soft-tissue surgery paradigms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timing of surgery for orthopaedic injuries continues to evolve, as an improved understanding of biology, healing, and technological advances continues to challenge historical norms. With the growing COVID-19 pandemic stretching limited healthcare resources, postponing surgery becomes an inevitable and unenviable task for most orthopaedic surgeons, and a shift in outpatient paradigms is required to mitigate poor outcomes in patients. ⋯ Most soft-tissue orthopaedic injuries can be managed with outpatient ambulatory surgery in a semi-elective setting. As the paradigm for outpatient surgery shifts due to technological advances and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical for surgeons to time their surgery appropriately to maintain the high standards of orthopaedic practice.