John Ross Bonanni: Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Radiology Department, University of Manitoba, GA216-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, MB, Canada.
Jai Jai Shankar: Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Radiology Department, University of Manitoba, GA216-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, MB, Canada.
Lisa McPhee: Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Radiology Department, University of Manitoba, GA216-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, MB, Canada. ORCID
Purpose: The goal of this study was to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures on the volume, rate, and type of Trauma presenting to the emergency department (ED) by using Trauma-initiated CT studies to capture patient data. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study comparing patients undergoing CT scans for Trauma during the 1 and 2 lockdown periods compared to corresponding prepandemic months. During two lockdown periods, public places such as restaurants, libraries, parks, and shops across the province were shut down. Government-led messaging advised that people should stay at home and practice social distancing. The rate of Trauma-initiated CT scans and the proportion of different types of traumas were compared between time periods. Results: There was no significant difference in overall Trauma-initiated CT scans between the prepandemic and pandemic levels. Motor vehicle collision (MVC) cases decreased from 18.2% to 15.6% during the first lockdown period ( = 0.049) and also reduced from 29.1% to 25.2% during the second lockdown period ( = 0.013). Trauma from falls increased from 19.1% to 27.5% ( = 0.036) during the first lockdown, despite no significant change during the 2 lockdown. Furthermore, the percentage of stab injuries increased from 25.0% to 38.9% while blunt Trauma decreased from 68.5% to 54.3% during two lockdowns ( = 0.015). Conclusion: The total number of Trauma-initiated CT scans did not significantly decrease during the lockdown periods. Stabbings and falls increased during lockdown periods while MVCs and blunt Trauma decreased.
