Treatment and presentation of intertrochanteric hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a third-level care hospital

Background. The prevalence of intertrochanteric hip fractures is approximately 30%. The usual management of hip fractures is performed by dynamic hip screw (DHS) or central medullary nailing (CMN). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed medical treatment guidelines in all specialties around the world. Objective. To recognize the prevalence and management of unstable trochanteric hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method. An observational study was conducted in a third-level care hospital in patients with fractures of type AOOTA 31A2.1 and A2.2 managed with CMN or DHS. The management trends by orthopedic surgeons were analyzed. Results. The prevalence during 2019 was 38%, in 2020 it was 21.3% and in 2021 it was 32.6%. The male-to-female ratio found was 1:1.7. The age was 66.48 & PLUSMN; 21.6 years (range: 17-92). Of orthopedic surgeons surveyed, 80.4% preferred CMN. Conclusions. The prevalence decreased during 2020. The treatment trend during the pandemic was higher for the DHS system; the use of CMN decreased by 86%. The treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures was influenced due to the COVID-19 pandemic towards a cheaper method.