The impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on the number of cranial and spinal trauma cases in geriatric patients

Abstract

Objective: Geriatric patients are more prone to traumatic injuries, particularly cranial traumas and spinal fractures resulting from falls, due to osteoporosis and sedentary lifestyles. As a primary measure against the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey put into effect a lockdown for people aged 65 and above. This study aimed to compare the change in the number of cranial and spinal trauma cases in the age group of 65 and above who were placed under lockdown between 21st March and 3rd June 2020 with the number in the previous year. Materials and Methods: The study included patients aged 65 and above who presented to the emergency departments and neurosurgery clinics of two trauma centres in our city with cranial and spinal traumas between 21st March and 3rd June in 2019 and 2020. The patients were retrospectively categorised in terms of age, gender, type of trauma and treatment. Results: In total, 83 patients presented to the hospital between 21st March and 3rd June 2019 while only 12 patients presented between 21st March and 3rd June 2020 (p