Delay in Treatment of a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture during Coronavirus Disease-19 COVID-19 Pandemic Leading to Amputation

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARs-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), is a novel respiratory disease which has fundamentally disrupted societal norms. Common responses to the pandemic have called for “social distancing” and national lockdowns. There is little evidence as to how public perception surrounding exposure to the virus may impact patient care. Here, we present a case of a patient who deferred medical treatment due to concerns regarding exposure to the virus. CASE REPORT: A 99-year-old female who presented to an emergency department of a community hospital on Long Island, New York, during the COVID-19 pandemic complaining of right ankle pain after a fall three 3 weeks ago. Fear of contracting COVID-19, led to initial avoidance of medical evaluation. On presentation, the patient presented with a Gustillo-Anderson Grade III A, bimalleolar ankle fracture with associated gangrene. After evaluation and a thorough discussion with the patient and her family, the patient underwent guillotine amputation. CONCLUSION: Public perception surrounding COVID-19 has created a sense of fear that can impact patient behaviors, such as prevent them from seeking medical care when necessary. As physicians, we need to make patients feel safe and increase availability to patient care during this time to prevent similar issues as demonstrated in this case.