Abstract
Background: Social distancing measures and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to reported changes in traumatic injury patterns. We set to examine the effects of these restrictive guidelines in our trauma center. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated for traumatic injuries at a Level 1 trauma center during two time periods: March–June 2020 (COVID) and March–June 2019 (Pre-COVID). Results: Overall trauma volume did not differ significantly between the two time periods. Changes seen during COVID included increases in penetrating injuries (12.5% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001), particularly those due to firearms (7.5% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and days on the ventilator remained consistent between the two groups. Trends toward increased injuries in the home and non-accidental trauma were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Traumatic injury patterns have changed as a result of social distancing in both the adult and pediatric trauma populations. Analyzing the effects of social distancing on trauma can lead to a better development of preventive strategies.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 120-124 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | American journal of surgery |
Volume | 224 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2022 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Abuse
- COVID
- Injury
- Pandemic
- Trauma
- Violence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery