The coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak was first reported in Wuhan City of China in the month of December 2019 [1]. WHO declared it as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 [2]. As of 6 April 2020, 1,276,587 people around the world had tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).In response to the COVID 19 outbreak reported from all across the globe, Government of India declared a nationwide lockdown on 23rd march for a period of 3 weeks.
Orthopaedic Preparedness and Response
Orthopaedic surgeons are not the frontline workers against the COVID 19 outbreak. However, the services of the orthopaedic surgeon may be needed if the outbreak overwhelms the resources and the manpower. Although there is a continuous debate on hydroxychloroquine use, given the circumstances and unavailability of any treatment in near future, administration of chloroquine is being recommended for at-risk healthcare providers [3].
OPD Clinics and Telemedicine
Regular active OPD has been closed in most parts of the country following the lockdown. Only the urgent follow-ups and patients with acute pain are being seen. Many hospitals like ours were only admitting patients through triage in the emergency room. Telemedicine emerged as a viable option for taking care of regular visits and non-emergency care.
Orthopaedic Surgery and Procedures
Since the aerosol generating procedures like intubation pose grave risk to the anaesthesiologist and use of drill and saw increase the risk to the surgeon, only the urgent procedures are undertaken with the understanding that the patient may be infected, and the surgeons have to take full precautions for personal protection [2].
Learning, Teaching, Research and Innovation
Residents and assistants have been rostered so as to station only two residents for active duty and rest are given the day off. Education and research collaboration have increased due to zoom video-conferencing technology. As both the teachers and learners find ample time to engage in these activities, on a given day, there are several simultaneous activities. Perhaps, amongst all the surrounding negativity, this is the best positive effect of the pandemic. Many of us have taken up the challenge of innovating and using our skills in 3D printing, mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligence to devise novel solutions in times of crisis.
Summary
As the epidemiologists look at the curve of disease progression to decide upon whether the lockdown will be extended, we continue to face new challenges in this rapidly evolving situation. With adversity also comes an opportunity; this may be time to get ourselves involved in research and academics, to learn a new skill and immerse ourselves in service of community.And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.Haruki Murakami