Age-Related Patterns of Traumatic Facial Fractures in the Appalachian Tri-state Area: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Introduction Traumatic facial injuries, leading to facial fractures represent a significant subset of traumatic events, with age emerging as a crucial determinant influencing both their etiology and outcomes. Understanding the age-related patterns of traumatic facial fractures is essential for developing targeted prevention and management strategies. In this context, the Appalachian tri-state area stands as an underexplored region concerning this issue, necessitating comprehensive research to elucidate the nuances of age-related traumatic facial fractures within this geographic context. Methods This retrospective study delves into the age-related patterns of traumatic facial fractures within the Appalachian tri-state area, drawing upon patient records from Cabell Huntington Hospital and Saint Mary's Medical Center spanning a five-year period. The study cohort encompasses 623 patients categorized into three age groups: individuals aged <22 years, those aged 22-65 years, and individuals over 65 years. Data analysis involves meticulous examination of mechanisms of injury, injury severity scores (ISSs), hospital length of stay, and the prevalence of surgical interventions across different age cohorts. Results Out of 623 patients, 104 (16.7%) were under 22 years old, 367 (58.9%) were between 22 and 65 years old, and 152 (24.4%) were over 65 years old. The majority were male (70%). Falls were the most common cause of facial fractures in patients over 65 (78%), while assaults were predominant in the 22-65 age group (24%), and motor vehicle collisions (MCVs) in those under 22 (34%). The median ISS and hospital stay durations were similar across age groups. 28% of patients underwent surgery, with significant variation among age groups (p<0.001): 38% for <22 years, 33% for 22-65 years, and 11% for >65 years. Mandibular fractures were more prevalent in younger patients, with rates of 12% for <22 years compared to 5.3% for >65 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients aged 22-65 had 4.10 times higher odds (95% CI=2.38, 7.45, p<0.001) of undergoing surgery, while those under 22 had 5.14 times higher odds (95% CI=2.73, 10.0, p<0.001) compared to those over 65. Significant associations were found for mandibular and bilateral mandibular outcomes in patients aged 22-65 years. Discussion These findings underscore the imperative for tailored prevention strategies and age-specific treatment protocols to optimize patient outcomes. Fall prevention initiatives for the elderly and interventions addressing sports-related injuries for younger individuals are paramount. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity of specialized care protocols for elderly patients to minimize hospital stay durations and manage age-related comorbidities effectively. Moving forward, further research should address limitations, validate findings, and explore the efficacy of specific interventions, thereby paving the way for enhanced preventive measures and management strategies tailored to the diverse age cohorts affected by traumatic facial fractures in the Appalachian region.