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Osteoporosis International

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01-01-2021 | COVID-19 | Short Communication

Disruption of bone densitometry practice in a Northern Italy Orthopedic Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: C. Messina, A. C. Buzzoni, S. Gitto, J. Almolla, D. Albano, L. M. Sconfienza

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Summary

We report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bone densitometry practice in a Northern Italy Orthopedic Hospital, comparing the first 4 months of 2020 with the corresponding period of 2019. COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the daily practice of bone densitometry (about − 50% of examinations).

Introduction

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic radically changes hospital organization to guarantee patient and staff safety, with the unavoidable cessation of normal outpatient activities. We report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) testing in a Northern Italy Orthopedic Hospital.

Methods

We analyzed the number of DXA examinations performed at our Institution before, during the lockdown, and immediately after outpatient practice reopening (January 24th to May 27th, 2020), comparing them with the corresponding period of 2019.

Results

The number of DXA examinations showed a tremendous reduction from n = 1247 performed from January to May 2019 to n = 623 of 2020 (− 49.9%). No exams were performed in April 2020 (− 100%). On May 2020, a faint resume was observed, with n = 43 DXA (− 84.4% compared to 2019).

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the daily practice of bone densitometry with DXA. After reopening, we observed a persistence of DXA examination reduction, confirming the fact that returning to normality will probably be a slow process.

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Title: Disruption of bone densitometry practice in a Northern Italy Orthopedic Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: C. Messina
A. C. Buzzoni
S. Gitto
J. Almolla
D. Albano
L. M. Sconfienza
Publication date: 01-01-2021
Publisher: Springer London
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-020-05587-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Disruption of bone densitometry practice in a Northern Italy Orthopedic Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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