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Trends in Operative Complex Middle and Upper Maxillofacial Trauma: A 17-Year Study
Peiyi Su1,2, Christian Paquet3, Karla O'Dell1,2
1Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|February 11, 2021
Summary
Operative maxillofacial trauma significantly decreased over 17 years, with assaults becoming the leading cause. Prevention efforts should target interpersonal violence to reduce facial trauma incidents.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Facial Reconstruction
- Public Health
Background:
- Facial trauma is a significant public health issue, with millions of incidents annually in the US.
- Understanding trends in operative maxillofacial trauma is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine trends in operative middle and upper maxillofacial trauma over a 17-year period in a major US city.
- To identify changes in mechanisms of injury and fracture patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 4,299 patients with 5,549 facial fractures from 1993 to 2010.
- Analysis of demographics, injury mechanisms, and fracture characteristics at a Level I Trauma Center.
Main Results:
- A 42% reduction in operative maxillofacial trauma was observed between 1993-2001 and 2002-2010.
- Assaults emerged as the most common cause of trauma, increasing over the study period, while motor vehicle accidents decreased.
- Orbital floor and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were most prevalent; panfacial fractures saw the largest reduction.
Conclusions:
- Operative middle and upper maxillofacial trauma incidence declined significantly over 17 years.
- Interpersonal violence (assaults) is the primary driver of current facial trauma, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.
- Future prevention efforts should focus on reducing interpersonal violence to mitigate the burden of facial trauma.
