Orthopaedic trauma care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Latin American perspective

Abstract

At first glance, the COVID-19 pandemic and the field of orthopaedics and traumatology do not appear to be related. Although orthopaedists are not considered front-line personnel in the fight against the pandemic, the role of the surgeon as part of the overall health care team is crucial. The specialty of orthopaedics and orthopaedic trauma, due to its extraordinary scope, affects individuals of all ages and timely care affects patients' long-term function and quality of life. Therefore, positioning the type and timing of care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, while maintaining the safety of the patient and healthcare providers, is essential. This article reviews the initial approaches to orthopaedic trauma care during the COVID-19 pandemic as established by 4 representative countries in Latin America: Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil.