Multidisciplinary management in panfacial trauma: A clinical study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Panfacial fractures require complex management.
• Current care pathways lack standardization, leading to potential delays and complications.
• Multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordination is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a structured MDT referral system with usual sequential care for panfacial fractures.
• To evaluate the impact of an MDT pathway on process and outcome measures.
• To identify improvements in surgical timing and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• A single-center cohort study compared two treatment strategies.
• Primary outcomes included time-to-definitive fixation and major postoperative complications.
• Secondary outcomes assessed airway management, hospitalization duration, reoperation rates, and occlusal alignment.

Main Results:

• The MDT pathway significantly reduced the time to definitive management.
• Fewer major postoperative complications were observed with the MDT approach.
• Improved outcomes in airway strategy and functional occlusion were noted.

Conclusions:

• A structured multidisciplinary team workflow is beneficial for managing panfacial trauma.
• Implementing standardized MDT pathways can enhance efficiency and reduce patient complications.
• This approach advocates for integrated care in panfacial trauma services.