The Impact of Covid-19 on Patients Waiting for Knee Surgery

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the postponement and cancellation of elective orthopaedic surgeries worldwide. These delays to elective procedures combined with ongoing demand have led to increasingly longer waiting list times. This cross-sectional pilot study aims to investigate the change in patients' perceptions of knee pain and function since being waitlisted for surgery. A bespoke survey will be administered to eligible patients over the phone from Trafford General Hospital, Manchester. The survey will also investigate the coping mechanisms and the preventative measures patients are taking to manage symptoms during the pandemic, and question what kinds of communication and support patient would like to be offered whilst waiting for treatment. This study will improve clinicians' and researchers' understanding of how patients are coping with symptoms during this pandemic, and provide information on how to better support patients who are waiting for knee surgery. This information could be used to enhance orthopaedic care during, and in the aftermath, of this pandemic. The information gathered in this study may also be used to inform a larger multi-centre study.