IADR Abstract Archives
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic (First Lockdown) on Maxillofacial Trauma at the National Maxillofacial Unit
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented effects on health care. This is a retrospective study to assess the effects of the first Covid-19 lockdown ( CLD) ( March - June 2020) on patients with maxillofacial trauma (MT).
Methods: This retrospective study analysed patients with maxillofacial trauma over two periods: Group A ( 1st March - 30th June 2019) and Group B
( 1st March - 30th March 2020). The following information was obtained: patient demographics, referral centre, aetiology, fracture and treatment provided.
Results: Study population N= 531: Group A (N =310) and Group B (N= 221) representing a 29% reduction in patients attending the MT service during the CLD. The months April and May showed a marked reduction in patients with MT, 58% ( N=181) in Group A vs 38% ( N=85) in group B.
The mean age was 43 years (7-89) vs 44 years (6-94) in Group A and B , respectively. The gender balance also remained similar, Group A (males 71%, females 29%), and Group B (males 70%, females 30%).
The fracture aetiology was as follows in Group A and B respectively; assault 36% ( N=111) vs 38% ( N= 80) and road traffic accidents 6%
( N=17) vs 4% ( N= 9). There was an increase in bicycle accidents from N=10 (3%) in Group A to N=18 (9%) in Group B and mechanical falls from 38% (N=119) in Group A to 43% (N=91) in Group B. There was also an increase in female mechanical fall in Group A vs B, 56% ( N=50) vs 71% ( N= 47).
Conclusions: The first CLD resulted in a decreased attendance with maxillofacial trauma, likely due to decreased socialising and sporting activities. The reduction in the use of public transport and the use of bicycles likely resulted in an increase in bicycle injuries. The increasing rate of mechanical falls by females in Group B raises concerns around a potential increase in female related domestic violence during the CLD. Females presenting with facial trauma require close collaborative assessment with appropiately trained social workers. This is part of an ongoing Covid-19 related study in maxillofacial trauma.
Methods: This retrospective study analysed patients with maxillofacial trauma over two periods: Group A ( 1st March - 30th June 2019) and Group B
( 1st March - 30th March 2020). The following information was obtained: patient demographics, referral centre, aetiology, fracture and treatment provided.
Results: Study population N= 531: Group A (N =310) and Group B (N= 221) representing a 29% reduction in patients attending the MT service during the CLD. The months April and May showed a marked reduction in patients with MT, 58% ( N=181) in Group A vs 38% ( N=85) in group B.
The mean age was 43 years (7-89) vs 44 years (6-94) in Group A and B , respectively. The gender balance also remained similar, Group A (males 71%, females 29%), and Group B (males 70%, females 30%).
The fracture aetiology was as follows in Group A and B respectively; assault 36% ( N=111) vs 38% ( N= 80) and road traffic accidents 6%
( N=17) vs 4% ( N= 9). There was an increase in bicycle accidents from N=10 (3%) in Group A to N=18 (9%) in Group B and mechanical falls from 38% (N=119) in Group A to 43% (N=91) in Group B. There was also an increase in female mechanical fall in Group A vs B, 56% ( N=50) vs 71% ( N= 47).
Conclusions: The first CLD resulted in a decreased attendance with maxillofacial trauma, likely due to decreased socialising and sporting activities. The reduction in the use of public transport and the use of bicycles likely resulted in an increase in bicycle injuries. The increasing rate of mechanical falls by females in Group B raises concerns around a potential increase in female related domestic violence during the CLD. Females presenting with facial trauma require close collaborative assessment with appropiately trained social workers. This is part of an ongoing Covid-19 related study in maxillofacial trauma.