The effect of lockdown during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on maxillofacial injuries in a level I trauma centre: a comparative study

Abstract

IntroductionThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic forced many governments to impose nation-wide lockdowns. Government legislation forced limited travel on the population with restrictions on the normal way of life to limit spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of lockdown on the presentation of maxillofacial trauma in a level I trauma centre. Methods Comparative analysis was carried out using prospective and retrospective review of all consecutive patients admitted with any maxillofacial fracture in the lockdown period between 15th March and 15th June 2020 with the same period in 2019 to a Regional Trauma Maxillofacial Surgery Unit. Data included basic demographics and mechanism of injury including alcohol/drug influence, polytrauma, site of injury and treatment modality including escalation of care. Results Across both periods, there were a total of one hundred and five (n = 105) recorded episodes of traumatic fractures with fifty-three (n = 53) in the pre-lockdown cohort and fifty-two (n = 52) in the lockdown. Included patients were significantly (p = 0.024) older during lockdown (mean age 41.44 years SD 20.70, range 5-96) with no differences in gender distribution between cohorts (p = 0.270). Patients in lockdown were more likely to be involved in polytrauma (p < 0.05) and have sustained their injury by cycling/running or any outdoor related activity (p = 0.013). Lockdown saw a significant reduction in alcohol and drug related violence (p < 0.05). Significantly more patients required operative management (p = 0.038). ConclusionLocal lockdowns form part of the governments public health strategy for managing future outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. Our study showed no significant reduction in volume of trauma during lockdown. It is vital that hospitals maintain trauma capacity to ensure that patients are treated in a timely manner.

Maxillofacial Fractures in the Province of Terni (Umbria, Italy) in the Last 11 Years: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This is the first epidemiologic study of maxillofacial fractures in Umbria, Italy, and one of few studies analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of maxillofacial traumas 16,18–24. Umbria has 870,165 inhabitants,25 an area of 8.456 km 2 and borders Lazio, Tuscany and Marche.…”

“…16,17 This is the first epidemiologic study of maxillofacial fractures in Umbria, Italy, and one of few studies analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of maxillofacial traumas. 16,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Umbria has 870,165 inhabitants, 25 an area of 8.456 km 2 and borders Lazio, Tuscany and Marche. It is well known for its picturesque medieval villages (like Gubbio and Assisi, the town of Saint Francesco) that attract tourism, mainly for religious purposes.…”

Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid

“…New etiologies have been described, such as the use of electric scooters [50,51], which are producing changes in modes of transportation within cities and even regulatory changes promoting the use of protection measures [52]. It is therefore necessary to publish the findings of studies in different territories because they cannot be extrapolated due to the epidemiological variability and the difference in health resources for treatment [53][54][55][56][57].…”

A Comparison of the Specific Facial Trauma Cases at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Gdansk, Poland, from March 2019 to August 2023

“…This conclusion was consistent with our research. Patients during the lockdown were more likely to suffer from polytraumatic injuries [ 14 ]. We did not take polytrauma into account.…”