Evaluating the change in patterns of traumatic injury in the setting of pandemic and social distancing restrictions: An analysis of a level 1 trauma center

Grace Ng, Christian M. Castro, Marah Hamdan, Humberto Salazar, Sharon Joseph, Bhaskar Thakur, Stephanie Nemir, Alan Tyroch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)120-124
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume224
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Abuse
  • COVID
  • Injury
  • Pandemic
  • Trauma
  • Violence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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