This study describes the changes in preference to arthroscopic surgery in two orthopedics departments in Denmark under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: Covid-19 has impacted all aspects of society. In hospitals around the world focus has been on treating the deadly virus, and elective orthopedic surgical procedures has been postponed in Denmark, causing a stop for most arthroscopic procedures for months. It is established that certain conditions leading to arthroscopic orthopedic intervention has fluctuating symptoms symptoms and can have a favorable outcome on conservative treatment. Amongst these conditions who are also treated with non-surgical methods are subacromial decompression impingement\[1\]\[1\], degenerative knee disease \[2\] and anterior cruciate ligament injuries\[3\]. An issue with further understanding the non-surgical effect on this patient group has beencould be reluctance to undergo conservative non-surgical treatment and opt for a surgical treatment. procedure. Because all elective surgery has been postponed in Denmark, and the following longer waiting period for surgery, this has created a unique opportunity to further investigate this patient category. Aim of study: Investigate the impact of time on waiting list for surgery under COVID-19 pandemic on the preference for surgery in patients planned for arthroscopic surgery. Discussion The current study will provide information on the change of preferences forto arthroscopic surgery in a patient population who are forced to wait for surgery for a longer period of time, with no possibility of seeking treatment in other hospitals.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
79
Under the COVID-19 pandemic all arthroscopic procedures were cancelled. We wished to describe if patients experienced a change in preference to surgery under this period.
Zealand University Hospital
Køge, Region Sjælland, Denmark
Change in preference
change of preference for surgery during the waiting period for all planned arthroscopic procedures measured by questionnaire sent by letter asking if patients still want surgery yes or no. No other questions were asked.
Time frame: 3 months
Change in preference between groups
difference in preference for surgery between the group of patients planned for arthroscopic procedure in the shoulder and patients planned for arthroscopic procedure in the knee measured by questionnaire sent by letter asking if patients still want surgery yes or no. No other questions were asked..
Time frame: 3 months
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