Patient-Reported Symptoms after Midfacial Trauma.

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Midfacial fractures represent a significant clinical challenge.
• Assessing long-term patient-reported outcomes is crucial for effective treatment evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 12-24 months post-injury in midfacial fracture patients.
• To identify persistent symptoms and quality of life impacts following midfacial trauma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective survey of medical records for patient demographics and injury details.
• Utilized validated questionnaires: Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ), Folkestad facial trauma questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) to assess symptoms and HRQoL.
• Administered questionnaires 12-24 months after trauma to capture long-term effects.

Main Results:

• 67% of patients reported persistent facial sensibility disturbance 12-24 months post-trauma.
• 52% experienced cosmetic consequences related to the midfacial fracture.
• Facial numbness was the most disturbing symptom; severe jaw problems or eating limitations were infrequent.

Conclusions:

• Sensory disturbances are a common and significant long-term sequela of midfacial trauma.
• A need exists for a comprehensive patient-reported outcome instrument for facial trauma, encompassing vision, pain, and functional deficits.