Challenges and response in the medical management of the orthopaedic department during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: strategies in Wuhan, China

Int Orthop. 2020 Aug;44(8):1489-1495. doi: 10.1007/s00264-020-04626-6. Epub 2020 May 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Currently, COVID-19 has rapidly spread around the globe, there are already many nosocomial infections in medical staff. The purpose of this study is to provide some medical management experience from the orthopaedics department of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, to provide reference for orthopaedists.

Methods: This study is a summary of the orthopaedic medical management of Tongji Hospital. It systematically summarized the Chinese experience including orthopaedic outpatient and emergency department management, and orthopaedic surgery and preventive management during the pandemic.

Results: We described some challenges in the orthopaedic department during the epidemic and formulated a set of medical management procedures to find an balance between effective treatment and infection prevention.

Conclusion: These experiences and strategies could help orthopedists to work safely and effectively, and prevent nosocomial infections during the global pandemic of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Medical management; Pandemic; Preventive management.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • China / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Orthopedic Procedures*
  • Orthopedics
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2