THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MANAGEMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL TUMOURS, AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background/Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic has affected all spheres of life. The treatment of non-covid patients has been severely affected in these times. The pandemic has led to delay in healthcare delivery to many vulnerable groups specially cancer patients. Limited resources for non- covid patients might lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment in musculoskeletal tumour patients. Furthermore, nationwide lockdowns have led to travel restrictions and hence inability of patients to reach healthcare facilities. A retrospective analysis of institutional records ofMethod: musculoskeletal tumour patients (both primary and secondary) was performed for two consecutive years (2019-2020 and 2020-2021). Mean time duration from presentation to nal surgery was calculated for the two groups and this was compared using unpaired t-test. The meanResults: duration from presentation to nal surgery was 10.03+9.48 days in pre- COVID times (n=30) and 11.75+7.92 days in COVID times (n=33). Predominantly younger patients with primary tumours presented during COVID times as compared to pre-COVID times where more of secondary tumours presented. The delay in time from presentation to nal surgery was not statistically signicant and the way forward suggestsConclusion: a shift of healthcare to virtual platforms.