Browsing by Author "Rojas, Edward O"

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    A BRIEF UPDATE ON THE EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY PATIENTS IN THE UNITED STATES A Multicenter Update to a Previous Survey Study of Patients Postponed by the Pandemic.
    (Arthroplasty today, 2020-12-03) Brown, Timothy S; Bedard, Nicholas A; Rojas, Edward O; Anthony, Christopher A; Schwarzkopf, Ran; Stambough, Jeffrey B; Nandi, Sumon; Prieto, Hernan; Parvizi, Javad; Bini, Stefano A; Higuera, Carlos A; Piuzzi, Nicholas S; Blankstein, Michael; Wellman, Samuel S; Dietz, Matthew J; Jennings, Jason M; Dasa, Vinod; AAHKS Research Committee
    Background: In March 2020 elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) were suspended across the United States in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had previously published the results of a survey to the affected patients from 6 institutions. We now present the results of a larger distribution of this survey, through May and June 2020, to electively scheduled patients representing different regions of the United States.

    Methods: Fifteen centers identified through the AAHKS Research Committee participated in a survey study of THA and TKA patients. Patients scheduled for primary elective THA or TKA but canceled due to the COVID-19 elective surgery stoppage (3/2020-5/2020) were included in the study. Descriptive statistics along with subgroup analysis with Wilcoxon rank were performed.

    Results: In total, surveys were distributed to 2135 patients and completed by 848 patients (40%) from 15 institutions. Most patients (728/848, 86%) had their surgery postponed or canceled by the surgeon or hospital. Unknown length of surgical delay remained the highest source of anxiety among survey participants. Male patients were more likely to be willing to proceed with surgery in spite of COVID-19. There were minimal regional differences in responses. Only 61 patients (7%) stated they will continue to delay surgery for fear of contracting COVID-19 while in the hospital.

    Conclusion: Similar to the previous study, the most anxiety-provoking thought was the uncertainty over if and when the canceled joint replacement surgery could be rescheduled. Patients suffering from the daily pain of hip and knee arthritis that have been scheduled for elective arthroplasty remain eager to have their operation as soon as elective surgery is allowed to resume.
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    Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients' Perceptions of Safety and Need for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery in the United States.
    (Foot & ankle orthopaedics, 2021-04) Chan, Jimmy J; Chen, Kevin K; Choi, Peter; Rojas, Edward O; Schipper, Oliver N; Aiyer, Amiethab; de Cesar Netto, Cesar; Haleem, Amgad M; Kadakia, Anish R; Vulcano, Ettore

    Background

    With the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective foot and ankle surgeries were delayed throughout the United States to divert health care resources and limit exposure. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on patient's willingness to proceed with elective procedures once restrictions are lifted and factors contributing to such decision.

    Methods

    Patients across 6 US orthopedic institutions who had their elective foot and ankle surgeries cancelled secondary to the pandemic were given a questionnaire. Specifically, patients were asked about their willingness to move forward with surgery once restrictions were lifted and if not why. Pain-level and pain medication use were also assessed. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors that contribute to patient's decisions.

    Results

    A total of 150 patients participated in this study. Twenty-one (14%) opted not to proceed with surgery once restrictions were lifted. Forty-three percent (n = 9) listed concern for COVID infection as the reason; however, 14% of them would proceed if procedures were performed in surgery center. Twenty-nine (19% of the total cohort) patients had increased pain and 11% of patients were taking more pain meds because of the delay to their procedure. Patients who decided not to proceed with surgery reported pain reduction (3% vs 14%) and lower increase in pain medication used (5% vs 12%).

    Conclusion

    COVID-19 has made a significant impact on the health care system. Delay of elective foot and ankle procedures impact patient quality of life and outcomes. Access to surgery centers may provide a partial solution during the pandemic.

    Level of evidence

    Level III.