Investigation of fatal traumatic head injuries.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic head injuries (THIs) are one of the major causes of death in forensic cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of patients with fatal THIs. METHODS: In this study, a total of 311 patients with fatal THIs, who underwent postmortem examinations and/or autopsies, were retrospectively analyzed. Cases were evaluated based on sex, age group, incident origin, cause of the incident, presence of skull fracture, type of fractured bone (if any), fracture localization and pattern, presence and type of intracranial lesion (if any), and cause of death. RESULTS: Out of the patients, 242 (77.8%) were male and 69 (22.2%) were female. Accidents accounted for 235 (75.6%) of the incidents, with in-vehicle traffic accidents causing 117 (37.6%). In 221 cases (71.1%), intracranial lesions and skull fractures were observed together. The most common fractures were base fractures (171 cases) and temporal bone fractures (153 cases). The rate of intracranial hemorrhage was lower in the adult age group (69.7%) compared to the older age group (92.6%). CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that the cause of the incident, type of fracture, presence of skull base fracture, and multiple skull fractures increase the likelihood of fatalities. The occurrence of skull fractures reduces intracranial pressure, thereby decreasing the incidence of intracranial lesions. The development and effective enforcement of road traffic safety policies and regulations will reduce the incidence of fatalities.

Maxillofacial trauma and its management presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore during Covid-19 pandemic.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the patterns of maxillofacial injuries, aetiology and their management during the pandemic of Covid-19 in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. METHODS: This is a single center, prospective cross-sectional study. Patients from all age groups who presented at the Emergency room of Jinnah Hospital Lahore and managed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department during 1st December 2020 till 31st January 2021 were included. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 20.0. RESULTS: Total 202 patient were analyzed, 161 (79.7%) were male and 41 (20.3%) were females. Male to female ratio was 4:1. About fifty three percent of patients belonged to the age group 15-35 years. The most common cause was road traffic accidents (RTA), followed by fall. Eighty-three (41.1%) had only soft tissue injuries without any bony fracture and 119 (58.9%) had facial bones fractures. Zygomatic bone fracture was most common (53.8%) followed by mandible fracture (31.1%). Sixty-one out of 119 patients with fractures were treated with Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF). Three patients had complete loss of vision because of facial trauma. Only 56 (28%) patients were managed under General Anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: During the initial pandemic era, a large majority of patients presenting with maxillofacial injuries were young male adults. The most common cause of maxillofacial trauma was RTAs. Soft tissue injuries were predominant followed by facial bone fractures and zygomatic bone was more frequent among the fracture cases. Covid-19 pandemic increased the difficulties faced in the management of maxillofacial trauma patients.

A Prospective Cohort Study Characterizing Incidence of Dural Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients with Skull Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Limited retrospective data suggest that dural venous sinus thrombosis (DVST) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with skull fractures is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prospective data accurately characterizing the incidence of DVST in patients with high-risk TBI are sparse but are needed to develop evidence-based TBI management guidelines. METHODS: After obtaining institutional approval, 36 adult patients with TBI with skull fractures admitted to an Australian level III adult intensive care unit between April 2022 and January 2023 were prospectively recruited and underwent computed tomography venography or magnetic resonance venography within 72 hours of injury. When available, daily maximum intracranial pressure was recorded. RESULTS: Dural venous sinus abnormality was common (36.1%, 95% confidence interval 22.5%-52.4%) and strongly associated with DVST (P = 0.003). The incidence of DVST was 13.9% (95% confidence interval 6.1%-28.7%), which was lower than incidence reported in previous retrospective studies. Of DVSTs confirmed by computed tomography venography, 80% occurred in patients with extensive skull fractures including temporal or parietal bone fractures in conjunction with occipital bone fractures (P = 0.006). However, dural venous sinus abnormality and DVST were not associated with an increase in maximum daily intracranial pressure within the first 7 days after injury. CONCLUSIONS: Dural venous sinus abnormality was common in TBI patients with skull fractures requiring intensive care unit admission. DVST was confirmed in more than one third of these patients, especially patients with concomitant temporal or parietal and occipital bone fractures. Computed tomography venography is recommended for this subgroup of TBI patients.

The epidemiological characteristics of pediatric head injury in Hangzhou, China: a retrospective study based on cranial CT examinations.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to create a pediatric head injury database based on cranial CT examinations and explore their epidemiologic characteristics. METHODS: Data related to cranial CT examinations of pediatric head injuries from March 2014 to March 2021 were collected at outpatient and emergency department of a pediatric medical center. The causes of injury, observable post-injury symptoms, and cranial injury findings were extracted with the assistance of natural language processing techniques. RESULTS: Reviewing the data from records on 52,821 children with head injuries over a period of 7 years, the most common causes of pediatric head injury were falls (58.3%), traffic accidents (26.0%), smash/crush/strike (13.9%), violence (1.5%) and sports-related incidents (0.3%). Overall, most of those injured were boys which accounting for 62.2% of all cases. Skull fractures most commonly occur in the parietal bone (9.0%), followed by the occipital (5.2%), frontal (3.3%) and temporal bones (3.0%). Most intracranial hemorrhages occurred in epidural (5.8%), followed by subdural (5.1%), subarachnoid (0.9%), intraparenchymal (0.5%) and intraventricular (0.2%) hemorrhages. Spring and autumn showed more events than any other season. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest sample of epidemiological study of head injury in the Chinese pediatric population to date.

A Thirteen-Year Analysis of Facial Fractures among Professional Soccer Players.

This study aims to identify the epidemiology and effects of facial fractures on return to play (RTP) in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL). A total of 39 MLS players and 40 EPL players who sustained facial fractures from 2007 to 2019 were identified. Data on player demographics, the injury, and the impact of their injury on RTP were collected. Elbow-to-head was the most common mechanism of injury (20.3%). The most common fracture involved the nasal bone (48.3%). Most players (90%) RTP the same season. Players who sustained nasal fractures missed significantly fewer games (p < 0.001) than those who suffered other craniofacial fractures. Players treated surgically missed significantly more games (3.21 vs. 0.71, p = 0.006) and days (30.1 vs. 8.70, p = 0.002) than those managed nonoperatively. Significantly more EPL players who sustained facial fractures wore headgear upon RTP compared to MLS players (82% vs. 56%, p <0 .01). Most professional soccer players who sustain a facial fracture RTP the same season, but their recovery time can vary depending on the type of fracture, injury management, or injury severity. Our findings can help inform future craniofacial injury management as well as guidelines on player safety and fracture prevention.

Epidemiology and Pattern of Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the epidemiology, pattern, and prevent measurement of pediatric maxillofacial trauma in Xinjiang, China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of patients aged 0 to 18 years with maxillofacial trauma over the 5 years were reviewed. Epidemiological features of data were collected for the cause of injury, age and sex distribution, frequency and type of injury, localization and frequency of soft tissue injuries, facial bone fractures, and presence of associated injuries. Statistical analyses performed included descriptive analysis, χ 2 test, and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Among the 450 patients, 333 were male and 117 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.8:1, the mean age was 9.2±5.4 years; 223 cases were soft tissue injuries and 227 cases were maxillofacial fractures. The 16 to 18-year-old group was the highest, with the prevalence of maxillofacial fractures. The most common cause of pediatric maxillofacial trauma was traffic injuries. CONCLUSION: The incidence of maxillofacial trauma in pediatric patients correlates with a number of factors, including age, sex, and etiology of trauma. The 16 to 18-year-old group is the most prevalent group for maxillofacial trauma in pediatric patients, and traffic accidents are the leading cause of maxillofacial trauma in pediatric patients.

The profile of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to interpersonal violence treated in a hospital emergency room.

AIM: This study evaluated records of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to interpersonal violence (IPV) being treated in the emergency room of a level I trauma center hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to IPV recorded between January 2019 and December 2019 were retrospectively examined. Personal data, days on which they experienced IPV, and the type of maxillofacial trauma sustained were extracted and statistically analyzed (p < .050). RESULTS: During the analysis, 1034 patients with maxillofacial trauma were identified; of these patients, 292 (28.2%) who experienced trauma due to IPV were included in this study. There was a mean age of 32.6 years and the most common type of trauma was soft tissue injuries (38.7%). Mandible and nose fractures were more prevalent in males and females, respectively. Our data, when compared with other studies on maxillofacial trauma due to IPV, showed a lower prevalence and male-to-female ratio, and a higher presence of dentoalveolar trauma. Additionally, our data when compared with studies on maxillofacial trauma due to other causes showed lower mean age and male-to-female ratios, and a higher occurrence of nose fractures differing from the predominance of mandibular fractures. CONCLUSION: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be able to suspect and identify cases due to IPV among their patients with trauma. With our results, although each case has its individuality, we can suggest that cases of maxillofacial trauma in young, female, and nasal fracture patients may be suspicious for IPV.

The pattern of maxillofacial fractures associated with rollover accidents: A 7-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to assess the incidence and pattern of maxillofacial fractures and related demographic data in the victims of rollover crashes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on medical records of patients who sustained maxillofacial injuries following rollover accidents. Investigated data included age, gender, accident date and time, accident cause, seat belt usage, airbag deployment, road type, anatomical location of the facial fracture, and treatment approach. RESULTS: Among the 147 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the most prevalent age groups were 20-30 (36.7%) and 30-40 (32.7%) years, with a mean age of 33.6 ± 9.7 years. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1. Most crashes occurred in March, August, and July. These accidents involved 69.4% light vehicles and 39.6% heavy vehicles. The leading causes of rollover crashes were speeding (58.5%) followed by distracted driving (21.1%) and traffic rule violations (13.6%). The most prevalent injuries were fractures of the maxillary sinus wall (40.8%), nasal bones (39.5%), zygomaticomaxillary complex (36.1%), and the mandible (32.6%). Surgical intervention was necessary for 44.2% of patients, while 12.9% of cases underwent close reduction, and 42.9% did not require any surgical intervention. The occurrence of nasal bone fractures was significantly lower in cases where seat belts were worn and zygomatic arch fractures were less frequent in incidents with airbag deployment. CONCLUSIONS: In rollover crashes, the midface is the most vulnerable anatomical location. Utilization of seat belts and airbag deployment has the potential to prevent nasal bone and zygomatic arch fractures.

Changing trends in maxillofacial injuries among paediatric, adult and elderly populations: A 22-year statistical analysis of 3424 patients in a tertiary care centre in Northwest Italy.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study analysed the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma over 22 years to assess whether there have been significant changes in the causes and characteristics of fractures in paediatric, adult and elderly populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were collected: age, sex, injury cause and mechanism, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale, associated injuries, time of injury, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. The patients were analysed by age group (children [≤16 years], adults [17-60 years] and elderly [>60 years]) and divided into two time groups (group 1: 2001-2011; group 2: 2012-2022) that were compared to each other. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Between 01 January 2001 and 31 December 2022, 3535 patients (2690 males and 845 females, mean age 39.3 years) were admitted for facial fractures. The comparison of the two temporal periods showed a decrease in the prevalence of males (p = .02), in road traffic injuries (p < .001), and in fractures of the lower third of the face (p = .005); there were significant increases in the mean age (p < .001), prevalence of the elderly (p = .006) and in fall- and assault-related injuries (p < .001 and p = .03, respectively). Assault injuries increased only in the 17-60 age group (p = .02) while RTA-related fractures decreased in all age groups (p < .05 for all comparisons). Bicycle accidents increased significantly, with a parallel decrease in motor vehicle accidents (both p < .001). Fall-related fractures increased only in 17-60 and >60 age groups (p < .001 and p = .02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows significant changing trends in the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma. While road traffic policies have been effective in the last years, preventive measures for falls in the elderly population and new legislative measures to prevent interpersonal violence should be advocated.

Pediatric Fractures Associated With Riding Bicycles: A National 20-year Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Biking is a popular childhood activity with an intrinsic risk of injury. While advocacy groups have promoted protective equipment to help mitigate these risks, trends in the national health burden of fractures associated with biking in the pediatric population have not been explored in depth. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried between 2001 and 2020 to identify patients aged 18 years or below with fractures presenting to US emergency departments associated with riding bicycles. The patient narratives were analyzed to exclude patients not actively riding bicycles and to note helmet use and collisions with motor vehicles (MVs). RESULTS: A total of 33,955 fractures were identified in the database, representing an estimated 1,007,714 fractures from 2001 to 2020, or 50,331 fractures annually. Linear regression noted a significant decrease in fractures over the period ( R2 =0.899; P <0.001). Most fractures occurred in patients who were male (71.8%, 95% CI: 70.4% to 73.2%), White (53.1%, 46.0% to 60.0%), and aged 10 to 12 (30.6%, 29.6% to 31.7%) or 13 to 15 years (24.8%, 23.4% to 26.2%). Fractures occurred most frequently in the forearm (25.2%, 22.8% to 27.8%), wrist (21.2%, 19.5% to 22.9%), and shoulder (10.5%, 9.7% to 11.3%). Patients who sustained fractures after being struck by a MV were >6 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital (36.0%, 28.6% to 44.2%) compared with patients not struck by a MV (5.4%, 4.3% to 6.8%). When helmet use was recorded in patients with skull fractures, most patients were not wearing helmets at the time of injury (85.7%, 74.6% to 92.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the national burden of fractures associated with riding bicycles in pediatric populations has steadily decreased, it remains a significant cause of injury for children. Fractures involving MV more often require hospitalization, and an alarming number of skull fractures are noted in children not wearing helmets. These data support continued efforts to promote consistent helmet use and safer riding environments around MV in all children, but especially among 10- to 15-year-old males. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prognostic.

Predictors of Facial Fractures in Trauma Patients: Retrospective Review at a Level I Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and causes of facial fractures differ between patients, but patterns arise within populations. These patterns vary by gender, age, and between countries. This study aims to determine variables to identify patients at risk for facial fractures in a United States trauma population. METHODS: This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, inclusive of years July 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were based upon all trauma patients. Confirmation of a non-isolated facial fracture (dependent variable) was verified using ICD10 diagnosis codes. A logistic regression was performed in SPSS to ascertain the effects of predictor variables on the likelihood that a trauma patient will experience a facial fracture. RESULTS: 20377 patients were included in the analysis based upon the requirements specified in the methods section; 1575 (7%) had a positive facial fracture. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (N = 18507, P < .01). Significant risk factors for facial fracture identified included helicopter transport (OR = 1.35, P < .01) and increasing injury severity scores (OR = 1.07, P < .01). Modes of injury most likely to predict facial fracture included assault (OR = 6.62, P < .01), moped (OR = 2.02, P < .01), and motorcycle trauma (OR = 1.55, P < .01). The discharge disposition most likely among facial fracture patients included short-term general hospital (OR = 1.71, P < .01) and intermediate care facility (OR = 4.47, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with traumatic injuries from assault, moped, and motorcycle accidents were more likely to present with facial fractures. These patients had more severe injuries, seen as increased ISS scores, higher likelihood of transport by helicopter, and the need for additional care after discharge.

Electric Scooter-related Craniofacial Injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Injuries associated with the use of electric scooters are a serious problem in modern society and traffic in relation to their increasing frequency of use. Although injuries involving all body parts are seen in such injuries, craniofacial ones are also very common. The aim of this study was to evaluate the craniofacial and other accompanying injuries in electric scooter-related accidents in Istanbul. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2020 and December 2022, patients with electric scooter-related trauma among the patients admitted to the emergency unit for trauma were evaluated retrospectively. All electronic medical records, CT scans, other examinations, and treatments were retrospectively reviewed, and craniofacial fractures and other injuries seen in the patients were classified. RESULTS: A total of 20.358 patients were admitted to the trauma unit between January 2020 and December 2022. Two hundred ten patients (142 male, 68 female) had electric scooter-related trauma and 58.1 % of them had craniofacial injuries. Thirty patients (14.3 %) (23 male, 7 female) had craniofacial fractures, whereas 43.8 % of them had craniofacial soft tissue injuries. The nasal fracture was the most common craniofacial fracture (14 patients, 46.7%). Orbital wall and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were found to be the second most common fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of electric scooter-related injuries among all trauma patients admitted to the emergency trauma unit during the mentioned period was 1.03%. The results of this study were found to be in accordance with the data in the literature. The craniofacial region is the most frequently injured body part in patients with electric scooter-related trauma, and patients should be comprehensively evaluated for possible soft tissue injuries, craniofacial fractures, and other accompanying system injuries.

Analysis of Nasal Bone Fractures: A 17-year Study of 3785 Patients.

In our previous study, we classified nasal bone fractures into 6 types based on computed tomography and the patterns of the nasal bone fractures (NBF) in 503 patients treated between 1998 and 2004. In the present study, we analyzed 3785 patients treated between 2005 and 2021. The age, sex, etiology, associated injuries, pattern of fractures, and treatments were reviewed, and radiographic studies were analyzed. The highest incidence was in the age group of 10 to 19 years (N=870, 23.0%), followed by 20 to 29 years (N=792, 20.9%) and 30 to 39 years (N=635, 16.8%). The most common causes of injury were slip or fall-down (42.3%), violence (24.3%), sports (19.2%), traffic accidents (8.9%), and work-related (5.3%). Most of the patients had tenderness (96.1%) and swelling (78.8%). Other findings were depression (27.1%) and nasal deviation (25.8%). Crepitus was heard in only 0.4% of the patients. The patterns of the NBFs classified by computed tomography findings were type IIA (unilateral simple fracture with displacement/without telescoping, 1283 cases, 33.9%), IIB (bilateral simple fracture with displacement/without telescoping, 786 cases, 20.8%), IIAs (unilateral simple fracture with septal fracture and displacement/without telescoping, 566 cases, 14.9%), IIBs (bilateral simple fracture with septal fracture and displacement/without telescoping 530 cases, 14.0%), I (simple fracture without displacement, 522 cases, 13.8%), and III (comminuted with telescoping or depression, 98 cases, 2.6%). In most of the cases (3,666, 96.9%), closed reduction was performed. The present analysis is one of the largest data sets on NBF in Korea, which could provide reference values for diagnosing and managing nasal bone fractures.

Pediatric Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures: A Single Institution's 15-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fractures impact growth of the craniofacial skeleton in children, which may necessitate differentiated management from adult injuries. This study describes characteristics, management, and outcomes of NOE fractures in children seen at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients under 18 years who presented to our institution from 2006 to 2021 with facial fractures was conducted; patients with NOE fractures were included. Data collected included demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients met inclusion criteria; 77.6% presented with Manson-Marcowitz Type I fractures, 17.2% with Type II, and 5.2% with Type III. The most common cause of injury was motor vehicle accidents (MVAs, 39.7%) and sports (31%). Glasgow Coma Scale and injury mechanism were not predictive of injury severity in the pediatric population ( P =0.353, P =0.493). Orbital fractures were the most common associated fractures (n=55, 94.8%); parietal bone fractures were more likely in Type III fractures ( P =0.047). LeFort III fractures were more likely in type II fractures ( P =0.011). Soft tissue and neurological injuries were the most common associated injuries regardless of NOE fracture type (81% and 58.6%, respectively). There was no significant difference in type of operative management or in the rates of adverse outcomes between types of NOE fractures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that pediatric NOE fractures, although rare, present differently from adult NOE fractures and that revisiting predictive heuristics and treatment strategies is warranted in this population.

Pediatric Head and Neck Trauma.

The pediatric patient population has unique anatomic characteristics that bring challenges and increased risk to management. The purpose of this article is to guide the head and neck trauma surgeon in decision making for the treatment of pediatric head and neck trauma with an emphasis on facial fracture management.

Factors predicting oral and maxillofacial fractures after falling and factors predicting the duration of treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The first objective of this study was to identify predictive factors for oral and maxillofacial fractures at the initial response to the patient. The second objective was to determine the factors influencing the incidence of treatment duration of more than 1 month using the information shown in the medical record. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records from 2011 to 2019 were reviewed to identify patients who had sustained oral and maxillofacial injuries by falling or falling from a height. Patterns and types of oral and maxillofacial injury, injury severity, and background of the injury were collected from the hospital records. The variables independently associated with a treatment duration of more than 1 month were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 282 patients (150 men, 132 women; median age, 17.5 years) were selected for analysis. Maxillofacial fractures were observed in 20.9% of patients (59/282); among these, mandibular fractures were the most common (47/59). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.026), nighttime occurrence (OR, 2.192), and upper face injury (OR, 20.704) were independent predictive factors for having a maxillofacial fracture. Additionally, the number of injured teeth (OR, 1.515) and the use of intermaxillary fixation (OR, 16.091) were independent predictors of treatment duration of more than 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful in the initial management of maxillofacial injuries in terms of better-informing patients injured by falling their expected treatment duration and managing the psychological impacts of a long treatment duration.

Characteristics of Associated Injuries in Children and Teenagers With Craniofacial Fractures.

The incidence of pediatric craniofacial fractures and heterogeneity of fractures is known to increase with age. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of associated injuries (AIs) to craniofacial fractures and identify differences in patterns of and predictors for AIs in children and teenagers. A 6-year retrospective cross-sectional cohort study was designed and implemented. The study population included 397 patients aged 19 years or less diagnosed with craniofacial fracture at Helsinki University Hospital from 2013 to 2018. Boys (71.0%) and teenagers (64.7%) were predominated. Associated injuries were more common in teenagers than children. Teenagers had more often AI in 2 or more organ systems. Assault and intoxication by alcohol were observed only in teenagers and predominantly boys. A total of 27.0% of all patients sustained AIs. In 18.1%, brain injury was reported. In children, motor vehicle accident (MVA) was an independent predictor for AI. In teenagers, independent predictors for AI were female sex, isolated cranial fracture, combined cranial fracture, and high-energy trauma mechanism. Injury patterns and AI related to craniofacial fractures in the pediatric population are age-specific, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of such trauma. Predictors for AIs increase in complexity with age, and the role of sex as a predictor is evident in teenagers.

Management Strategies for Geriatric Maxillofacial Fractures: An Anthropometric and Clinical Study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric maxillofacial trauma has become an increasingly pressing clinical issue in Taiwan because of increased life expectancy. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to investigate the anthropometric changes and the posttrauma outcomes in the aging population and to optimize the management strategies for geriatric facial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2015 to 2020, a total of 30 patients 65 years or older were identified to have suffered from maxillofacial fractures and presented at the emergency department of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). These patients were categorized into group III, representing the elderly group. Two other groups (group I, age 18-40 years; group II, age 41-64 years) of patients were categorized based on their age. After applying propensity score matching to reduce bias caused by a large case number difference, patient demographics, anthropometric data, and management methods were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 30 patients 65 years or older who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age of the matched group III was 77.31 ± 14.87 years, and the mean number of retained teeth was 11.77 (range, 3-20 teeth). The elderly patients had a significantly lower number of retained teeth (group I vs group II vs group III, 27.3 vs 25.23 vs 11.77; P < 0.001). Anthropometric data showed that facial bone structure degenerated significantly with advancing age. Outcome analysis demonstrated that falls accounted for 43.3% of injury mechanisms in the elderly group, followed by motorcycle accidents (30%) and car accidents (23.3%). Nineteen elderly patients (63%) received nonsurgical management. On the other hand, 86.7% of cases in the other 2 age groups underwent surgery. The average numbers of total hospital and intensive care unit stays in group III patients were 16.9 (range, 3-49 days) and 4.57 (range, 0-47 days), which was significantly longer than the other 2 age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that not only surgery is feasible for elderly patients with facial fractures, but an acceptable result is often obtainable. However, an eventful course, including extended hospital/intensive care unit stays and an increased risk of associated injuries and complications, may be expected.

Epidemiological aspects of dental trauma associated with maxillofacial injures: Ten years of clinical experience in Trieste, Italy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of dental injuries in patients with facial fractures is relevant. Epidemiologically, dental trauma in association with facial fractures generally affects the age group between 20 and 40 years old, with a higher prevalence in males. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the incidence and etiology of dental trauma associated with facial fractures over a 10-year period. METHODS: From January 2009 to April 2019, among 381 patients with facial fractures, 353 were included in this study. Age, gender, trauma etiology, injured teeth and dental treatment were investigated. RESULTS: From 353 patients, with a mean age of 49.7 ± 19.9 years, 247 (70%) were males and 106 (30%) were females. Accidental falls were the most common type of injury (n = 118, 33.4%), followed by road accidents (n = 90, 25.5%), assaults (n = 60, 17%) and sports trauma (n = 37, 10.5%). Fifty-five subjects (15.60%) had dental injuries associated with facial fractures. Of the 145 teeth involved, 48 (33.1%) were diagnosed with luxation, 22 teeth (15.2%) were avulsed, 11 teeth (7.5%) suffered a concussion and there were 10 (6.8%) alveolar wall fractures.Uncomplicated enamel-dentin fracture was the more frequent hard tissue injury (n = 21, 14.5%), followed by complicated crown-root fracture (n = 10, 6.9%), infraction (n = 8, 5.5%), enamel fracture (n = 3, 2%) and complicated enamel-dentin fracture (n = 3, 2%). There was a peak in incidence between 21 and 40 years (42%). Males had a significantly higher risk of facial fractures with dental injury (75%). Maxillary incisors and canines (62.8%) were the most affected teeth. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of dental injuries associated with facial fractures. Maxillary incisors were the most injured teeth, with a higher prevalence in males.

Skeletal survey yields in low vs. high risk pediatric patients with skull fractures.

BACKGROUND: To assess for occult fractures, physicians often opt to obtain skeletal surveys (SS) in young, acutely head-injured patients who present with skull fractures. Data informing optimal decision management are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the positive yields of radiologic SS in young patients with skull fractures presumed to be at low vs. high risk for abuse. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 476 acutely head injured, skull-fractured patients <3 years hospitalized for intensive care across 18 sites between February 2011 and March 2021. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, secondary analysis of the combined, prospective Pediatric Brain Injury Research Network (PediBIRN) data set. RESULTS: 204 (43 %) of 476 patients had simple, linear, parietal skull fractures. 272 (57 %) had more complex skull fracture(s). Only 315 (66 %) of 476 patients underwent SS, including 102 (32 %) patients presumed to be at low risk for abuse (patients who presented with a consistent history of accidental trauma; intracranial injuries no deeper than the cortical brain; and no respiratory compromise, alteration or loss of consciousness, seizures, or skin injuries suspicious for abuse). Only one of 102 low risk patients revealed findings indicative of abuse. In two other low risk patients, SS helped to confirm metabolic bone disease. CONCLUSIONS: Less than 1 % of low risk patients under three years of age who presented with simple or complex skull fracture(s) revealed other abusive fractures. Our results could inform efforts to reduce unnecessary skeletal surveys.