ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2021
Impact of COVID-19-related social restrictions on orthopaedic trauma in a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney: the first wave.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected communities worldwide. This study examines the impact that public health measures to control viral spread have had on orthopaedic trauma presenting to an Australian level 1 trauma centre. We hypothesized that the volume of orthopaedic trauma in the period of social distancing would decrease, and the mechanisms of injury differ, compared to pre-pandemic times. ⋯ The impact of COVID-19-related lockdown measures and social distancing on orthopaedic trauma in Australia has been an overall decrease in volume of cases, combined with significant changes in the mechanisms of injury necessitating surgery.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Mar 2021
Effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on emergency plastic and reconstructive surgery presentations.
In Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe social disruptions, including restrictions to the movement of people. Healthcare centres around the world have seen changes in the nature of injuries acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic; we therefore hypothesize that social isolation measures have changed the pattern of plastic and reconstructive surgery presentations. ⋯ Despite changes in the pattern of presentations requiring plastic and reconstructive emergency surgery, traumatic injuries continued to occur during the pandemic. Thus, planning will be essential to ensure resource allocation for emergency procedures is sustained as second and third waves of COVID-19 cases emerge worldwide.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2021
Increased orthopaedic presentations as a result of COVID-19-related social restrictions in a regional setting, despite local and global trends.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the utilisation of emergency department (ED) services worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19-related public health measures on orthopaedic presentations to a regional Australian hospital. ⋯ Contrary to other published literature, lockdown conditions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a surprising 77% increase in orthopaedic presentations to this regional Australian hospital. These findings can be used to better direct resources, preparation and staff education in the current and for future pandemics.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Mar 2021
Intraoperative fluoroscopy alone versus routine post-operative X-rays in identifying return to theatre after fracture fixation.
Post-operative imaging aims to assess fracture reduction and fixation with better resolution than intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF). However, this routine practice may increase costs and delay the discharge of patients. The aim of this study is to assess the role of post-operative imaging in identifying patients that require a return to theatre following the use of IF. ⋯ The use of post-operative radiographs can identify significant complications despite the use of IF in trauma patients. However, further consideration needs to be made regarding the benefits and costs of this practice in evaluating its clinical effectiveness.
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ANZ journal of surgery · May 2021
Observational StudyThe frequency and effects of distractions in operating theatres.
Operating theatres (OTs) are complex environments where team members complete difficult tasks under stress. Distractions in these environments can lead to errors that compromise patient safety. A range of potential distractions exist in OTs and previous research suggests they are common. This study assesses the nature, frequency and impact of distracting events in the OT at a tertiary New Zealand hospital. ⋯ Distractions in OTs were common, occurring nearly every minute. Most were trivial, but some had the potential to disrupt the operative procedure and result in patient harm. Reducing distractions in surgery could reduce patient harm and improve resource use.