Comparison of total joint arthroplasty care patterns prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and after resumption of elective surgery during the Covid-19 Outbreak: A retrospective, large urban academic center study

After the suspension of elective surgeries was lifted in June 2020 in New York State, challenges remained regarding coordination of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) cases. Using the experience from a high-volume health system in New York City, we aimed to describe patterns of care after resumption of elective TJA. We retrospectively assessed 7,699 TJAs performed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perioperative characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between TJAs based on time period of performance: 1) pre-pandemic (PP, June 8th–December 8th, 2019), 2) initial period post-resumption of elective surgeries (IR, June 8th–September 8th, 2020), and 3) later period post-resumption (LR, September 9th–December 8th, 2020). LOS > 2 days (83%, 67%, 70% for PP, IR, LR periods respectively) and discharge rates to post-acute care (PAC) facilities were lower during the pandemic periods (ORIR vs. PP: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.40–0.59, p