Orthopaedic Perspective during COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: A Literature Review

Introduction: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic as the spread of COVID-19 was occurred in a large number of countries in the world. It is known from the Center for Data of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, that the number of COVID-19 is escalating quickly and the exposures have already reached 3, 194, 733 confirmed patients with 560, 275 active cases, 2, 549, 692 patients recovered and 84, 766 patients were declared dead. Therefore, orthopedic divisions are obligated to respond to the new reality, since the safety and survival of every individual are the top priority at this critical moment. Discussion: The Indonesian Orthopedic Association has advised a protocol in line with the increasing escalation of COVID-19 cases. Further classifications are also used in surgical indication for both elective orthopedic surgery and emergency orthopedic surgery. Pre - operative procedure requires all patients should undergo COVID testing by the reverse transcription - PCR test of the nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs prior to suggestion whenever possible. Intra - operative procedure, operative room setting, post - operative care, inpatient management, and outpatient care based on contact and droplet precautions while ensuring adequate evaluation and care. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health crisis in which each region and country has different facilities and infrastructure capabilities, levels of education, and culture. Indonesia is a country with the highest number of cases with limited resources in the implementation of its health services. Careful monitoring and formulation of flexible disposition will depend on COVID-19 prevalence, workforce availability, and PPE supplies. However, despite it all, the safety and survival of doctors and health care workers, and patients are always be an obligation.