The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopaedic Cases in Emergency Department.

The COVID-19 pandemic and policies transformed how people live and receive healthcare. The pandemic's effect on elective orthopaedic surgeries has been well documented. However, its effect on orthopaedic problems in the emergency department (ED) has not. A cross-sectional retrospective study of all ED patients who received an orthopaedic surgery consult between March 11, 2019, and March 11, 2021, was conducted. Characteristics of orthopaedic problems before and during the pandemic were compared to elucidate what effect the pandemic had on orthopaedic presentations to the ED. The ED documented 2,487 orthopaedic problems. During the pandemic, 15% less orthopaedic problems were reported; however, more shoulder and fall injuries and less arm injuries occurred. No significant differences in demographics, mechanism of injury, operative status, or ED and overall disposition were found. Orthopaedic surgery departments should anticipate fewer ED consults overall after pandemic-like emergencies. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 35(1):0031- 034, 2026).