Can weather patterns predict orthopaedic trauma volume: a retrospective review at a level 1 trauma center in the Northeast.

Abstract

To analyze the effect of weather on orthopaedic trauma volume to allocate hospital resources more judiciously. Retrospective review. Albany Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center in the Northeast. All orthopaedic trauma consults placed from July 1, 2022 to June 31, 2023, excluding spine consults. Patient demographics, total number of consults, total number of orthopaedic injuries, type of consult (inpatient vs. outpatient), type of injury, mechanism of injury, nonorthopaedic injuries, and weather conditions (temperature, wind, rainfall, and snowfall). A total of 4,097 patients (4,664 injuries) were seen during this 1-year period. Of these patients, 74% were treated inpatient, 44% required operative intervention, and 17% sustained a nonorthopaedic injury. Consult volume was significantly higher during the weekends of summer months (May‒August), positively correlating with higher temperatures (<i>P</i> < 0.0001, R squared 0.26). The presence of precipitation was found to have a negative effect on consult volume (<i>P</i> < 0.0001); however, there was no statistically significant correlation with the amount of precipitation, the presence of snow, or wind conditions and consult volume. Orthopaedic consult volume positively correlates with summer months, warmer temperature, and lack of precipitation. Snow and wind conditions do not affect orthopaedic consult volume. The findings of this study support the need for increased staffing and resources during these expected times of heightened trauma volume. 3.