Traumatic injuries still happen during a pandemic.  Complications from existing musculoskeletal disorders can require urgent orthopaedic surgery. In these challenging times, special considerations are needed to ensure the safety of patients and operating room teams.  

With support from the Johnson & Johnson Institute, Advances in Surgery (AIS) brought together experts in trauma, joints, extremities, and spine to share learnings about caring for patients during the coronavirus and what the path forward may look like. During this live-streamed event, the distinguished global faculty discussed their operating practices and how they prioritized the needs of patients during the pandemic.  More than 17,000 health care professionals from 116 countries watched the event and it can now be viewed on-demand at the AIS COVID-19 resources center.

Returning to Elective Procedures 

As the coronavirus pandemic surged, healthcare systems across the world canceled elective surgeries to preserve resources for treating COVID-19 patients and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Now, as many hospitals seek to resume elective procedures -- such as joint replacement and spinal fusion -- there is a need to do so in a way that reduces risk to patients and healthcare providers (HCPs). 

For many patients, these surgeries offer the best hope to treat their pain and regain movement. During the program, the faculty shared their insights on how to best prioritize these surgeries and effectively create “re-entry” programs that can deliver safe, effective care even in the face of unprecedented challenges. 

“DePuy Synthes and the Johnson & Johnson Institute are inspired by the dedication of healthcare providers around the world to care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders during these uncertain times,” said Mike Cusick, Worldwide Director, Professional Education. “We are honored to support educational initiatives like this that promote the sharing of experiences and knowledge.”

This education event is part of the collaboration between AIS and The Johnson & Johnson Institute to connect surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals to critical COVID-related news, online training, webinars, and other resources to help them perform their work in the safest and effective way possible during this healthcare crisis.