ANZ journal of surgery
-
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.
-
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.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Sep 2020
Time to surgery and transfer-associated mortality for hip fractures in Western Australia.
Transfer time for patients with fractured hips is a significant problem in Australia. Current guidelines support operative management of hip fractures within 48 h with delays to surgery resulting in worse outcomes. The aim of study is to evaluate transfer times and delays and their effect on outcomes. ⋯ Increased time to surgery was associated with increased mortality rates. Transfer delays from a peripheral hospital had a significant bearing on time to surgery. Transfer, regardless of time to surgery, is associated with increased mortality. Early transfer to a referral hospital or bypass of the peripheral hospital is recommended.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2020
Safe and rapid implementation of telemedicine fracture clinics: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus disease outbreak in December 2019 rapidly spread around the world with profound effects on healthcare systems. In March 2020, all elective surgery and elective outpatient clinics were cancelled in our institution, a regional hospital in Northern New South Wales, Australia. With regard to orthopaedic fracture clinics, a telehealth system was implemented on an emergency basis for patient and staff safety to prevent disease transmission. The aim of our study was to investigate whether rapid implementation of telehealth for orthopaedic fracture clinics resulted in an increase in complications. ⋯ The study demonstrates that application of telehealth fracture clinics in a regional Australian setting can be achieved without increasing complication rates and can be used to formulate a rapid telehealth implementation plan if a similar scenario occurs in the future.