Variation in Consult and Referral Patterns for Facial Lacerations by Emergency Department Provider Type: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Facial lacerations are a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. Proper laceration repair is imperative as poor wound management can lead to functional and aesthetic impairment and significantly impact patient quality of life. For the best outcomes and long-term scar reduction, treatment by and follow-up with a plastic surgeon or facial trauma specialist is recommended. The present study examines variations in facial trauma specialist consultation and referral by ED provider type for adult patients at hospitals within a large rural South Dakota health system. METHODS: Records for patients above the age of 18 who received treatment for facial lacerations between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed across multiple hospitals in South Dakota, spanning a large rural catchment area. Multivariable logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were performed to examine the relationship between ED provider type and the probability of receiving specialty consult and/or referral. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four ED visits were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 53 received specialty consult and/or follow-up referral and 101 were treated without consult or referral. ED provider type was significantly associated with the probability of having a specialty consult (OR = 5.11, 95% CI [1.05, 24.96]). When the patients had a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) as their ED provider, they had a significantly higher chance (40%) of receiving specialist consultation. CONCLUSION: For patients presenting to the ED with facial lacerations, facial trauma specialist consultation and referral for follow up varies based on provider type. CNPs placed specialist consultations more often than other ED provider types.

A two-year retrospective cohort study investigating the occurrence and short-term outcomes of dog-bite injures in regional Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: Dog bite injuries are a preventable yet common cause of animal related hospitalisation. Dog bites in metropolitan areas have been well characterised however there is limited information regarding dog bites in regional areas. This study sought to describe the demographics, clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of patients presenting with dog bite related injuries to Broome Regional Hospital (BRH). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examined all dog bite related injuries presenting to BRH Emergency Department (ED) between July 1st 2021 - June 30th 2023, with the terms "dog" AND "bitten OR bite" in ED triage note. Chart review was performed to extract demographics, clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of dog bite related injuries. RESULTS: After exclusions, 207 patients were identified during the 2-year study period; approximately four dog-bites per week. Median age was 32 (IQR: 32, range 1-97 years old) with 46 % of patients being female. Residents of the Kimberley represented 78 % of presentations for dog bites. Dogs that belonged to or were known to patients were involved in 74 % of cases. The lower limb below the knee (42 %) was most commonly bitten, followed by the distal upper limb (30.5 %) and then face (13 %). Most patients presented on the same-day (67 %), were treated with antibiotics (79 %) and 83 % were discharged on the day of presentation. There were 43 (23 %) patients who required repair in the ED or operating theatre. Thirty-three patients were admitted to BRH. Seven patients required transfer for subspecialty tertiary level care. CONCLUSION: Dog-bite trauma is common and consumes significant health resources associated with ED presentations, hospital admissions, theatre usage and transfer in severe cases. A multifaceted approach encompassing education, engineering, and enforcement is required to prevent dog bites.

Interdisciplinary management of orofacial lesions in early childhood: paediatric alert system at University of Verona.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial trauma (OFT) occurs frequently in children and requires thorough evaluation not only by paediatric dentists but also by all specialists involved in emergency services, particularly in cases involving children under 3 years of age, given their inability to directly participate in clinical-anamnestic evaluations. Addressing early childhood orofacial trauma resulting from maltreatment, this study explores the key role played by various healthcare professionals, including paediatric dentists, general dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, dental hygienists, and paediatricians, in the optimal management of these cases. In the event of trauma due to suspected or confirmed mistreatment, it is essential that all healthcare workers involved have precise knowledge of the appropriate course of action from both a clinical and legal point of view, guaranteeing maximum protection for the young patient. This is particularly significant as cases of mistreatment with apparently minor consequences can degenerate into situations of irreparable severity. The latest guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) in 2020 continue to emphasise the potential correlation between OFT and cases of abuse or violence. Recent recommendations in the literature highlight the importance of facilitating mandatory reporting of incidents to relevant authorities and improving information sharing between dental healthcare professionals and child welfare services. A new flow diagram, called Paediatric Orofacial Trauma Alert (P.O.T.A.), has been proposed at the University of Verona. This tool is specifically designed to assist specialists dealing with early childhood orofacial trauma cases by assisting them in identifying potential cases of maltreatment. In this innovative approach, the collaborative efforts of general dentists, paediatric dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, dental hygienists and paediatricians play a vital role in cases of abuse. In addition to restoring the oral health of young patients, these professionals can activate a vast network of contacts, ensuring not only optimal oral health care but also providing comprehensive support to victims. The objective is to safeguard not only the physical but also the psychological well-being of these vulnerable subjects.

A randomised investigation of film-forming silicone gel in superficial partial thickness face and neck burn patients: Indication of improved early scar pigmentation outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Burns to the face and neck are a source of considerable distress and a challenge to manage with dressings. Further, these often superficial injuries pose a risk of scarring and altered pigmentation. Silicone gels have emerged as a potential solution to the challenges of conservative management for face and neck burn injuries. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of topical silicone compared to routine treatment of conservatively managed burns to the face and neck. METHODS: This single-blind, randomised, controlled trial compared topical silicone film-forming dressing to standard of care for superficial partial thickness burns to the face and neck. Time to healing was the primary outcome and secondary outcomes included: 1) scar assessments (modified Vancouver Scar Scale, Dermalab Combo and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) at six weeks and three months; and 2) pain intensity scale at wound review appointments. RESULTS: Of the 55 participants in the face/neck study, 34 were male and 21 were female. Median age was 36 years (range from 25 to 47 years). The median time to healing for the silicone group was 9 days (CI 7.6 -10.4) and the control group was 7 days (CI 5.3- 8.7), p = 0.056. Analysis demonstrated significantly reduced pigmentation at six weeks in mVSS scores for the silicone group (Md = 0, IQR = 0) compared to the control group (Md = 0, IQR = 0 - 3), p = 0.043. We found no evidence of differences in reported pain between the groups (Silicone - Md = 1.15, IQR 0.3 - 4.5 vs control group - Md = 1.5, IQR 0.6 - 3.8, z = -0.63, p = 0.53). No other differences were observed, and no adverse events were associated with the topical silicone in the study whereas an infection and a reaction were experienced in the control group. CONCLUSION: Film-forming silicone gel had comparable effects to standard of care emollient on wound healing of superficial partial thickness burns of the face and neck. Silicone treated wounds were associated with a significant improvement in scar pigmentation outcome at six weeks post-burn.

Interfacility Transfer Guidelines for Patients With Isolated Facial Trauma-From Problem to Solution.

This Viewpoint discusses the need to implement proposed guidelines for facial trauma assessment to prevent unnecessary interfacility transfer of patients with facial trauma despite most such patients having injuries that do not require surgical intervention.

Manufacture and use of transparent facial orthotic masks for treating facial burn scars: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Custom-made transparent facial orthoses (TFOs) (face masks) are used to improve facial burn scars. We conducted a systematic literature review on TFO manufacture and use. METHODS: Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched without restrictions for relevant articles. TFO manufacture details and use according to international recommendations (20-32 mmHg pressure, TFO worn 20-23 h/day for ≥2 months) were extracted. RESULTS: Of 279 retrieved articles, 11 published over the last 41 years (four in the last 5 years) discussed TFO manufacture/use. There were five technical notes, five case reports, and a patient-cohort study (total patients in the studies=21). TFO-manufacture methods could be categorized as classical, digital, or mixed classical-digital. Relative clinical efficacies and cost advantages were unclear. The plastics used, harness materials, harness-point number, and silicone-interface use differed from study to study. Target pressure, actual pressure, expected daily wearing time, and treatment duration ranged widely and often did not meet current guidelines. Actual wearing time and treatment duration were never measured. CONCLUSIONS: Although TFOs play an important global role in burn care, there is a grave paucity of research. Further research is needed to promote the standardization of TFO-related practices and thereby improve the outcomes of facial-burn patients.

Micro-plasma radiofrequency and silicone gel dressings for treating early post-traumatic facial scars: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although different options are available for treating post-traumatic facial scars, they remain a therapeutic challenge. AIM: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined therapy using micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPRF) technology and silicone gel (SG) dressings for treating post-traumatic facial scars. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at a single center. Patients with facial injuries in the outpatient and emergency units of the Department of Plastic Surgery at our hospital underwent debridement and cosmetic sutures performed by the same surgeon from October 2020 to October 2021. In the first arm, patients with facial injuries were treated with MPRF technology and SG, and in the second arm, they were treated with SG dressings alone. We observed the safety and effectiveness of these treatments in both arms. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with facial injuries were treated with MPRF technology and SG dressings (combined treatment group), and 28 patients were treated with SG dressings alone (SG group). After 6 months of treatment, the Vancouver Scar Scale scores of the combined treatment and SG groups were 1.38 ± 0.71 and 4.39 ± 0.50, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). After 6 months of treatment, the effectiveness rate in the combined treatment group was 93.8%, which was significantly higher than that in the SG group (67.9%), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions occurred in the two arms. CONCLUSION: Treating early post-traumatic facial scars with combined MPRF technology and SG is significantly better than treating them with SG alone; moreover, the combined therapy is safe and effective.

E-cigarette explosion injuries in the oral and maxillofacial region and a protocol for their management.

DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Web of Science along with the reference lists from select articles. STUDY SELECTION: Retrospective or prospective cohort studies, randomised controlled trials, case series, case-control studies and case reports on e-cigarette explosion-related facial injuries published in the English language were included. Review articles, nonclinical studies, commentaries, published abstracts and editorials were excluded. Also were excluded, those studies which did not specify injury location or if the injury did not pertain to the maxillofacial region. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data pertaining to bibliographic information, device characteristics, patient details, facial injuries, factors precipitating explosion, complications at follow-up, management and other injuries were extracted. An association between the predictor variables of injury type and location with outcomes of surgical management and intubation was determined by utilising a Chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 105 facial injuries in 32 patients from 32 e-cigarette explosions were recorded. 73.3% of the injuries were projectile in nature with 26.7% being characterised by burns. 43.8% of all patients suffered both burn and projectile injuries. The eye (10.7%), oral cavity (25%) and face (64.3%) were involved with burn injuries. Projectile injuries mostly involved the lower third of the face (81.8%). 62.5% of patients suffered from a tooth or bone fracture. A 44.4% rate of complications was reported amongst the studies which reported on follow-ups. Surgical management or intubation were found to have no statistically significant relationship with explosive oral injuries. No other statistically significant associations were observed between outcomes and other injury types. CONCLUSIONS: There is a risk of spontaneous combustion with e-cigarettes, which can cause injuries of a serious nature to the oral and maxillofacial region, specially the lower third of the face, commonly necessitating surgical management. Increased regulation along with user education are required in order to improve the safety profile of these devices.

The prevalence and risk factors of facial pressure injuries related to adult non-invasive ventilation equipment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically assess the prevalence of facial pressure injuries related to adult non-invasive ventilation equipment, and risk factors of facial pressure injuries. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Weipu Database were comprehensively searched for observational studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of facial pressure injuries related to adult non-invasive ventilation equipment from inception to May 16th, 2022. Filter articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was evaluated independently by two investigators. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software package. In total, 2835 articles were screened and data from 12 studies were used in meta-analysis. The prevalence of facial pressure injuries related to adult non-invasive ventilation equipment was 25% (95% confidence interval, CI:15% to 37%, I2  = 97.34%, P < 0.0001). After controlling for confounding variables, the following risk factors of facial pressure injuries: use equipment form, with diabetes, fever, cumulative time of using equipment, facial skin oedema and Glasgow score. Understanding the risk factors of facial pressure injuries can provide the healthcare personnel with the theoretical basis for the management and treatment of the patients.

Outcomes of the Use of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Wound Dressings for the Treatment of Partial-Thickness Facial Burns.

The purpose of this study was to assess clinical, functional and cosmetic outcomes of the use of hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings for partial-thickness facial burns. Patients with partial-thickness facial burns hospitalized at the Burn Center between April 2014 and April 2017 were evaluated. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, etiology, and degree of burn and percentage of burn to TBSA were collected. Pain, infection rates, reapplication rates, length of hospital stay, duration of healing, and presence of scar formation were analyzed. Median percentage of burn to TBSA was 15% (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-20). Fifteen patients had only facial burns, while 39 patients had burns on other parts of the body in addition to the face. Nine patients had deep partial-thickness burns, while 45 had superficial partial-thickness burns. Median length of hospital stay was 7 days (IQR: 3-15) for the entire study population and 4 days (IQR: 2-7.5) for patients who had only facial burns. Median healing time was 9 days (IQR: 7-12). Fifty-one (94%) patients had a Vancouver Scar Scale score of zero at 6 months. Use of hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings for facial burns is an effective and safe option.

Incidence of Airway Interventions in the Setting of Serious Facial Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Airway obstruction is the second leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Most airway obstruction occurs secondary to traumatic disruptions of the airway anatomical structures. Facial trauma is frequently cited as rationale for maintaining cricothyrotomy in the medics' skill set over the supraglottic airways more commonly used in the civilian setting. METHODS: We used a series of emergency department procedure codes to identify patients within the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR) from January 2007 to August 2016. This is a sub-group analysis of casualties with documented serious facial trauma based on an abbreviated injury scale of 3 or greater for the facial body region. RESULTS: Our predefined search codes captured 28,222 DoDTR casualties, of which we identified 136 (0.5%) casualties with serious facial trauma, of which 19 of the 136 had documentation of an airway intervention (13.9%). No casualties with serious facial trauma underwent nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) placement, 0.04% underwent cricothyrotomy (n = 10), 0.03% underwent intubation (n = 9), and a single subject underwent supraglottic airway (SGA) placement (<0.01%). We only identified four casualties (0.01% of total dataset) with an isolated injury to the face. CONCLUSIONS: Serious injury to the face rarely occurred among trauma casualties within the DoDTR. In this subgroup analysis of casualties with serious facial trauma, the incidence of airway interventions to include cricothyrotomy was exceedingly low. However, within this small subset the mortality rate is high and thus better methods for airway management need to be developed.

Craniofacial trauma: Experience in private hospital care during the pandemic provoked by SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: The onset of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic brought with it important changes in the hospital care for all diseases. According to the international literature, since the beginning of the pandemic there has been an impact in the incidence, etiology, and severity of head trauma, all these changes as a direct consequence of lockdown. OBJECTIVE: In this article we analyzed the characteristics of craniofacial trauma in patients admitted to a private hospital in Mexico City during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHOD: Medical records from patients admitted in Medica Sur between March 2020 and June 2021. In this study, incidence, etiology, severity of the injuries and the SARS-CoV-2 PCR result performed upon admission were analyzed. RESULTS: Although there is no study in Mexico like ours, the results were similar to those reported by other hospital centers worldwide, presenting a greater number of cases classified as mild craniofacial trauma, in addition to finding that the main age group affected were older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The reported information in our study provides a general view of craniofacial trauma characteristics during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El inicio de la pandemia provocada por SARS-CoV-2 trajo consigo importantes cambios en los cuidados hospitalarios para todas las enfermedades. De acuerdo con la literatura internacional, desde el comienzo, y a consecuencia del aislamiento, ha existido un impacto en la incidencia, la etiología y la gravedad del trauma craneomaxilofacial. OBJETIVO: Estudiar las características del trauma craneofacial en los pacientes ingresados a un hospital privado en la Ciudad de México durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODO: Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes ingresados a Médica Sur, entre marzo de 2020 y junio de 2021. Se analizaron la incidencia, la etiología, la gravedad de las lesiones y el resultado de la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa para SARS-CoV-2 que se realizó durante la atención hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: En México no existe un estudio semejante al nuestro, pero los resultados fueron similares a los reportados por otros centros hospitalarios en el mundo, presentando un mayor número de casos clasificados como traumatismo craneofacial leve, además de encontrar que el principal grupo de edad afectado fueron los adultos mayores. CONCLUSIONES: La información reportada en nuestro estudio brinda un panorama general sobre las características del trauma craneofacial durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

Facial trauma education within two English medical schools.

Facial trauma accounts for 5%-10% of all presentations to emergency departments (ED) in the UK, and it is often referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) department by ED physicians. Undergraduate medical students often have limited exposure to OMFS, and this is likely to translate to reduced exposure to facial trauma. We investigated the exposure of undergraduate clinical medical students to facial trauma teaching and asked about their confidence to manage facial lacerations and their ability to diagnose common facial fractures. An online survey was completed by 237 medical students across two English universities, 154 (65%) from University A and 83 (35%) from University B. Of the students, 68% reported no exposure to any teaching in facial trauma up to their current year of medical school; no statistically significant differences were found among the year groups (p>0.05). The majority of facial fractures within our cohort were referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) (43%), followed by OMFS (31%), and plastic surgery (12%). In total, 84% of students did not feel competent to manage facial lacerations, and 95% were not confident to present a facial injuries examination to a senior colleague. Exposure to facial trauma teaching remains poor. Future work should aim to devise a clear OMFS curriculum with objective teaching on facial trauma.

[Management of patients with facial burns]. / Prise en charge des patients brûlés au visage.

People with severe facial burns face a long process of readjustment to social life. Altered body image challenges their identity and daily interactions. The mirror test, in which nurses help patients to look at their wounds, is a key step in the care given by carers, but also in the transition from the hospital world to the social world.

Management of facial burns: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews literature on the recent progress made on management of facial burns. The discussion focuses on those aspects of the management in which recent studies brought new ideas, and reviews some that failed to change practices in the management of facial burns. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent innovations and models have been proposed in an attempt to reduce the incidence of unnecessary intubations in patients with burns to the face and with suspected inhalational injury. However, the decision to secure the airway is still a challenging one. A new escharotomy method based on facial subunits principles has been described, while the practice of early tangential excision is still debated in the literature. Tarsorrhaphy without occluding the eyes has also been described in the management of peri-oral burns. Self-retaining and expandable stents for the nose have also been demonstrated to be effective in preventing nasal stenosis. 3D printed face masks have been more recently developed to improve the current wound-care methods used in facial scar management. SUMMARY: This article highlights recent developments in the management of facial burns in areas such as acute facial burn care, subsequent wound care and facial scar management. It highlights areas wherein progress has been made, as well as the need for further studies in certain areas.

Manejo quirúrgico de heridas por mordeduras de perro en pacientes pediátricos: nuestra experiencia en 8 años / Surgical management of dog bite wounds in pediatric patients: our experience in 8 years

Introducción. Hasta un 90% de las mordeduras de animales son producidas por perros. Los niños son la población más vulnerable frente a las mordeduras ya que suelen afectar una mayor proporción de superficie corporal. Objetivo. Analizar la casuística de mordeduras de perro y su repercusión en nuestro entorno. Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de un período de 8 años, que incluyó a todos los pacientes de 0 a 18 años con diagnóstico de mordedura de perro. Resultados. Se incluyeron 183 pacientes con diagnóstico de mordedura de perro. El promedio de edad fue de 6,1 años, y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de los niños de 3 a 5 años (38,3%). El tratamiento quirúrgico fue dividido en pacientes que requirieron rafia por planos (84,6%), colgajos (11,4%), injertos (3,4%) y puntos de aproximación (1%). Se reportaron 8 pacientes con complicaciones (4,4%). Conclusión. Los niños de 3 a 5 años son los más afectados por mordeduras de perro y la zona de cabeza y cuello es la más común. Un porcentaje importante de pacientes requirieron colgajos e injertos con buenos resultados.

Introduction. Up to 90% of animal bites are produced by dogs. Children are the most vulnerable population because bites tend to affect greater body surface area. Outcome. Analyze dog bites cases and their impact on our environment. Methods. An observational, descriptive, retrospective study during an 8 year period was carried out, which included all patients from 0 to 18 years with a diagnosis of dog bite. Results. A total of 183 patients with a diagnosis of dog bite were found. The average age was 6.1 years, and the age group most affected was children from 3 to 5 years old (38.3%). Surgical treatment was divided into: patients who required suture by planes (84.6%), flaps (11.4%) and grafts (3.4%) and approximation stitches (1%). Complications were reported in 8 patients (4.4%). Conclusion. Children from 3 to 5 years old are the most affected by dog bites, the head and neck area is the most common. A significant percentage of patients required flaps and grafts with good results.

Facial Soft Tissue Injuries in Pediatric Patients.

Soft tissue injuries of the head and neck are a common reason for medical evaluation and treatment in pediatric populations with some unique and important considerations when compared with adults. The incidence and type of injuries continue to evolve with the adoption of new safety measures, technology advancements, and education of the general population. The goal of this article is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the evaluation and management of pediatric soft tissue trauma including the initial workup, physical examination, appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy, and setting for surgical repair. Additionally, the pediatric anesthetic considerations for evaluation and repair in regard to local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia are described in detail. There is a focus on dog bites, perinatal injuries, and child abuse as these entities are distinctive to a pediatric population and have particular management recommendations. Lastly, application of the reconstructive ladder as it applies to children is supported with specific case examples and figures. Although there are many parallels to the management of soft tissue injury in adults, we will highlight the special situations that occur in pediatric populations, which are imperative for the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon to understand.