From Restrictions to Reopening: Changing Epidemiology of Midfacial Fractures After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected trauma epidemiology, but data on post-pandemic maxillofacial trauma remain limited. This study compared midfacial fracture epidemiology between intra-pandemic and post-pandemic periods at a tertiary maxillofacial trauma center.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included 156 adults with non-nasal midfacial fractures treated intra-pandemic (February 2020 - January 2021; n = 57) or post-pandemic (February 2023 - January 2024; n = 99). Demographics, trauma etiology and context, fracture patterns, associated injuries, temporal distribution, and treatment parameters were compared.
RESULTS
Falls (66.7 % vs. 20.2 %; q < 0.001), accidents at home (56.1 % vs. 15.2 %; q < 0.001), and syncope-related trauma (17.5 % vs. 5.1 %; q = 0.034) decreased post-pandemic, whereas alcohol-associated trauma increased (10.5 % vs. 27.3 %; q = 0.034). Differences in falls, accidents at home, and alcohol-associated trauma remained significant after adjustment for age and sex. Road-traffic, interpersonal-violence, sports, and e-scooter injuries increased numerically but none of these differences were statistically significant after FDR adjustment. The overall time-of-day distribution differed between cohorts (p < 0.001), with proportionally fewer morning and more evening/night injuries post-pandemic. Time to presentation and surgery decreased post-pandemic (respectively p = 0.008, p = 0.001), while no statistically significant…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 156 participants or records.
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