Close human contact is one of the primary reasons for the spread of COVID-19. As orthopedic surgeries involve various surgeons performing the surgery with close human contact, orthopedic hospitals must follow a strict orthopedic surgery protocol to prevent the virus\u2019s spread. This article highlights some of the precautions orthopedic healthcare institutions must take during COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Precautions to Take While Dealing with Orthopedic Surgeries during COVID-19<\/p>\n
1.\tHospital Hygiene<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCleaning examination area in the emergency, mainly door handles, work stations, frequently used items with 1% hypochlorite\/ Lysol.
\n\u2022\tNurses, doctors, and other hospital staff must not have any signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
\n\u2022\tThey must not have come in contact with COVID patients in the past 14 days.
\n\u2022\tFrequent screening of the healthcare staff.
\n\u2022\tPPE provision or at least an N95 mask and a surgical gown, examination gloves, and shoe covers.
\n\u2022\tRegular training of the healthcare staff.<\/p>\n
2.\tAttending Patients<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAvailability of a three-layered surgical mask, hand sanitizer, and a disposable glove box at the emergency area entry point for patients and attendants.
\n\u2022\tMask for attendants.
\n\u2022\tObtaining the patient\u2019s and attendant\u2019s history of COVID-19 symptoms and contact.
\n\u2022\tIsolation of patients and attendants if the COVID history is positive.
\n\u2022\tKeep patients in isolation and convert every ward to isolation rooms.
\n\u2022\tKeep a separate dressing room and plaster room for patients.
\n\u2022\tAppropriate and careful disposal of dressing material, gauges, etc. of suspected patients.<\/p>\n
3.\tElective Patient Care<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCareful recording of every symptom of every patient.
\n\u2022\tProper investigation in the case of patients with a tumor or a pathological fracture or cauda equina.
\n\u2022\tSurgical intervention must be deferred unless required on an urgent basis.<\/p>\n
4.\tTrauma Patient Management Process<\/p>\n
\u2022\tInform the hospital administration authority, SMO, or CMO.
\n\u2022\tKeep a specialized COVID area in the triage for COVID-19 patients with trauma.
\n\u2022\tResuscitate the patient with a primary survey with splintage of the fractured limb.
\n\u2022\tDo all the required pre-operative investigations along with COVID-19.
\n\u2022\tIf possible, get portable X-rays and ultrasound to prevent contamination of the radiology area.
\n\u2022\tFor CT scan and MRI, sterilize the area after investigating every patient as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.<\/p>\n
Closed fracture patients must wait for COVID-19 results to undergo surgery. However, surgeries for open fracture patients must not await COVID results. Such patients must be treated as COVID positive, and the hospital must ensure the utmost care to prevent the spread of the disease to the attendants or other patients.
\nIn case the COVID result is positive, keep the patient in a COVID isolation ward, and employ the hospital\u2019s COVID response team until the results are negative. If the results are negative, shift the patient to the orthopedic ward and discharge him at the earliest.<\/p>\n
5.\tCOVID Protocol<\/p>\n
\u2022\tEnsure conservative management wherever possible.
\n\u2022\tShift patients from the triage area to the operating room with strict adherence to sterilizing regulations.
\n\u2022\tKeep a dedicated COVID operating room with trained staff.
\n\u2022\tFollow preventive measures at all levels.
\n\u2022\tMake every effort to minimize the duration of the surgery.
\n\u2022\tReduce blood spilling.
\n\u2022\tDisposal of surgical waste appropriately.
\n\u2022\tMaintain negative pressure ventilation
\n\u2022\tShift patients to COVID isolation wards after surgery and discharged after negative COVID results.
\n\u2022\tEnsure proper care relating to physiotherapy, DVT prevention, and bedsores during the hospital stay.<\/p>\n
Ranka Hospital \u2013 Orthopedic Surgical COVID Care<\/p>\n
Ranka Hospital follows the most appropriate and prescribed orthopedic surgical COVID care. The hospital maintains isolation wards for patients, minimizes patient and attendant movements, expedites the operational process, and ensure discharge at the earliest.
\nThe hospital has a separate team of surgeons attending COVID positive patients that come for orthopedic surgeries. Besides, it also maintains a follow-up OPD for dressing, suture removal, and plaster removal in a separate area. Visit or connect with Ranka Hospital for more details on orthopedic care during COVID and an effective orthopedic surgical treatment.<\/p>\n