COVID-19: Patient resources
Below is some important information for patients who may have questions about their surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is updated regularly with the latest guidance.
Current BOA position regarding elective activity, waiting lists and restart
11 December 2020: In late-March 2020, all non-urgent elective operations and most outpatient clinic appointments were cancelled. Elective operating resumed gradually over the late spring and summer, but the progress in restarting elective orthopaedics has been slower than most other specialties.
Information for patients having steroid injections in the upper limb or hand during the Coronavirus pandemic
23 October 2020: The BOA, BSSH and BESS have published this patient information leaflet regarding steroid injection in the hand or upper limb during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A message from the BOA to patients waiting for surgery
25 September 2020: We are acutely aware of the growing waiting lists that are affecting all planned surgery, but particularly orthopaedics (bone and joint treatment) which has the largest overall waiting list of any individual specialty.
A message for people waiting for joint replacement and other orthopaedic surgery
26 June 2020: We are acutely aware of the growing waiting lists that are affecting all planned surgery, but particularly orthopaedics (bone and joint treatment) which has the largest overall waiting list of any individual specialty.
Managing Pain
Managing Pain, featuring an article by John Skinner, 'What you can do to manage your pain while waiting for surgery' published March 2021
What can you do while waiting for joint replacement surgery
2020 Arthritis & You, featuring an article by Bob Handley, 'What can you do while waiting for joint replacement surgery' published September 2020
Vaccination
• Resource for patients for shared decision making that covers a range of musculoskeletal issues relating to vaccination (including surgery and steroid injection).
• GMC information on vaccines.
Preparing for surgery
• Information from the Royal College of Surgeons of England to help patients understand what's different about undergoing surgery during the pandemic.
• Centre for Perioperative Care have some useful FAQs for patients having an operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help them know what might be different and how to prepare.
Resources for patients awaiting surgery
• What to do while you are waiting for your joint replacement surgery. The BOA recently worked with Health Awareness on the 2020 Arthritis & You campaign which featured this article by Bob Handley.
• For those awaiting hip and knee surgery, the Escape Pain App (for Android only) or online tool provides support to help you stay active at home.
• For anyone seeking help to managing bone, joint or muscle pain at home, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has a collection of excellent resources to support you.
• Royal College of Anaesthetists' Fitter Better Sooner resources.
• Joint School App has information, exercises and tools for people who have had hip or knee replacements postponed.
• We are Undefeatable, 5 in 5 – Accessible exercises for a 5 minute workout.
• Versus Arthritis – downloadable exercises sheets for knee pain, hip pain, and back pain.
• Mental Health charity Mind has webpages about COVID and your wellbeing.
• If you are struggling with your health (including both physical and mental health) while you wait for surgery, please consult your GP or orthopaedic consultant for advice. Despite the difficulties, both are still ‘open for business’ and they would wish to hear from you.
Other groups and organisations
• Arthritis and COVID-19 – your questions answered (External resource from Versus Arthritis). Versus Arthritis also have a COVID ‘virtual assistant’ (COVA) or traditional helpline.
• ARMA (Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance) is an umbrella body bringing together patient organisations and professional bodies representing the breadth of musculoskeletal health.