Incidence of Infection and Mortality in Surgeries of Sports Injuries during COVID-19 Pandemic at GTTH, ahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: To find out if there was a negative impact or consequence of performing surgeries related to sports injuries during COVID-19 period when most of the hospital services were suspended all over the globe. Study design: Prospective study Place and duration of study: Department Orthopaedic and Spine, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from 19thMarch 2020 to 6thAugust 2020. Methodology: Seventy patients with sports injuries were enrolled. The history and thorough clinical examination, X-rays and CBC along with other relevant investigations were recorded. The patients were discharged in 24 to 74 hours period intervals and all the necessary SOPs regarding COVID-19 were strictly followed. Results: None of the patients who underwent procedure developed infection or acquired coronavirus illness after discharge from the hospital or during follow-ups in OPD. Conclusion: The surgeries performed during COVID-19 did not result in wound infection or patient-related mortality. Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Arthroscopy, COVID-19, Pandemic, Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), Sports injuries, Infection, World Health Organization (WHO)