Persistent pandemic demand for elective orthopedic surgery despite patient anxieties regarding COVID-19 in at-risk populations

Abstract

Introduction: Even though the pandemic has had a documented impact on the outcomes of orthopedic surgery, the patient perspective and anxieties are not well addressed in the literature. Methods: A new COVID-focused patient survey on their perspective regarding orthopedic care has been formulated and investigated in 206 patients, including information regarding demographics and relevant health history. To aid our understanding, clinical practice trends were collected to better understand the impact on surgical volume and associated rebound after a catastrophic global event like a pandemic. Results: Patients with public insurance, hypertension, unemployed, or low health levels, were moderately worried about contracting and surviving Covid-19, but still prioritized their orthopedic care despite the associated risks. A typical orthopedic practice dropped 30–40 % of visits between week 5 and 7 of Covid-19. Telehealth visits comprised 20 % of visits. Discussion: Despite the pandemic impact and associated anxieties, the demand for orthopedic surgery persists both on the patient and healthcare sides. The impact and understanding of population dynamics are critical for future preparation and likely re-organization of healthcare systems such as increased telehealth utilization in orthopedics.

Keywords

• Pandemics
• Orthopedics
• Surgery
• Telehealth