Management of Spine Trauma in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 was first identified in Iran in February 2020 and since then it spread rapidly through all over the country and soon after reported as a pandemic. The current study present a preliminary report of spine trauma management during COVID-19 pandemic. <br /> Method and Material: A cross sectional study was designed to evaluate patients admitted for vertebral fractures with diagnosis of COVID-19 infection on February, and March 2020. Analysis was made based on clinical and laboratory data in addition to imaging findings from chest HRCT. <br /> Results: Seven patient with spine trauma including 5 males and 2 females ranged from 14 to 59 years were diagnosed for COVID-19 infection through CT-scan findings. Except one, all other patients were asymptomatic for COVID-19 at the time of admission. In three cases the COVID diagnosis was made the day after arrival and in others after 10, 14 and 35 days. Five Patients treated surgically in which 4 admitted to ICU soon after. The mean ICU stay for operated patients were 8 days and mean hospital stay was 22.6 days. <br /> Conclusion: Proper diagnosis of COVID-19 is the keystone to protect both patients and health care providers. During the pandemic all admitted patients should be screened for COVID-19 infection. Unnecessary procedures for spine trauma patients should be avoided in order to reduce complications related to surgery and preserve ICU beds.