Rapid Decline in Online Search Queries for Hip and Knee Arthroplasties Concurrent With the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, US hospitals have canceled elective surgeries. This decline in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) revenue may place financial strain on hospitals. Our goal was to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on the public interest in elective TJA.

Methods

The Google Search Volume Index (GSVI) identified the terms "knee replacement," "hip replacement," and "orthopedic surgeon" as the most common to describe TJA. The term "elective surgery cancellation" was also analyzed. Weekly GSVI data were extracted between 04-01-2015 and 04-04-2020. Time series analysis was conducted and state GSVI values were compared with COVID-19 prevalence and unemployment claims.

Results

The relative public interest in elective TJA has

SUBMITTER: Jella TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7248628 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature