J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2023 Feb;58(1):54-61. 10.4055/jkoa.2023.58.1.54 .

Experience in Treating COVID-19 Elderly Hip Fracture Patients during the Explosive Epidemic of COVID-19 at a COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital

• Kim JI
• Ha JH
• Ko KC

• KMID: 2539501
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2023.58.1.54

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to prepare guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19-positive hip fractures based on the treatment experience of patients with COVID-19-positive hip fractures admitted to a COVID-19-dedicated hospital.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on COVID-19-positive elderly hip fracture patients treated at a COVIDdedicated hospital when the number of domestic COVID-19 infections increased rapidly. The treatment results were analyzed by comparing the complications of patients who underwent surgery at a COVID-dedicated hospital and those who did not, the time taken from surgery to surgery, and the number of visits to medical institutions.
Results
The average surgery time for COVID-19 hip fracture patients in the author’s hospital was 3.74 days from the date of injury, and it took an average of 12.8 days for surgery at other hospitals. The average number of patients who visited medical institutions was 3.33 locations in the group who did not undergo surgery at the author’s hospital, which was significantly higher than the 2.83 locations in the group who had surgery. Among the patients unable to undergo surgery, no patient could not undergo surgery due to serious reasons.
Conclusion
The explosive increase in COVID-19 infections has delayed the time of surgery for COVID-19-positive elderly patients with hip fractures and increased the transfer rate of medical institutions, even for relatively non-dangerous causes. Clear criteria for treatment and effective policies are needed to prevent delay delays in treatment.

Keyword

COVID-19; hip fractures; COVID-19 dedicated hospital