Most Facial Fractures Do Not Require Surgical Intervention

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Facial fractures are common injuries presenting to trauma centers.
• Data on the surgical intervention rates for facial fractures in the United States is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the percentage of patients with facial fractures requiring surgical intervention at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of facial fracture patients (July 2015-July 2020).
• Fracture locations (mandible, midface, upper face) and surgical intervention were analyzed.
• Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Main Results:

• Out of 3,126 patients, 80.9% did not require surgery for facial fractures.
• Mandible fractures were significantly more likely to require surgery (RR 8.01).
• Patients aged 50 or younger were more likely to receive surgical intervention (RR 1.98).

Conclusions:

• The majority of facial fractures at Level 1 Trauma Centers do not necessitate surgical intervention.
• Mandible fractures and younger patient age are associated with increased need for surgical repair.