Cervical Fracture During COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Case Series

BACKGROUND: Cervical fractures are potentially serious and can have fatal consequences if not treated properly. Correct diagnosis and classification of injury is the first step in determining the most appropriate treatment. Cervical fractures will have an impact on the patient’s work, and COVID-19 is a challenge in the hospital to treat a cervical fracture. This study aims to discuss the case of patients with cervical fractures that have undergone surgical treatment in the COVID-19 pandemic. CASE PRESENTATION: Two cases of emergency patients with cervical injury treated at the hospital in the acute setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. All these patients experienced delayed timing to arrive in the emergency department of Prof. Dr. R. Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital. Neurological outcome was assessed before being discharged after surgery and a 3-month follow-up post-surgery. RESULTS: Laminectomy and posterior stabilization and fusion (PSF) were performed immediately after diagnosis was established in both patients. Physical rehabilitation was performed. In a 3-month follow-up, both patients’ neurological functions improved. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes of cervical injury patients can be affected by some factors, for example, timing to diagnosis, timing to traction application, timing to surgery, and timing to rehabilitation. Depending on the institution, weekend days can also affect the delay of the COVID-19 PCR swab. MRI schedule and patient optimal condition can also affect the timing to surgery. The immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed to make a better outcome, especially better neurological status.