Analysis of the Factors that Affect Emergency Department Length of Stay in Patients with Orbital Wall Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study un to determine factors that affect Emergency department (ED) Length of Stay (LOS) in patients with orbital wall fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed orbital fracture patients who visited our ED from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Patients'data, including sex, age, mechanism of injury, site of fracture, associated injury, physical finding, CT finding, and intra-ocular injuries were recorded. LOS was divided into three phases (Pre-consultation time, Consultation waiting time, Consultation time). We performed analysis to determine the factors associated with LOS. We also performed analysis to determine the factors associated with severe intraocular injury (SIOS). RESULTS: A total of 154 patients (160 eyes) were included. Orbital fractures were more frequent in males. The most common cause of orbital fracture was violence. LOS was 290.0 (IQR 200.0~465.0) min, pre-consultation time was 36.0 (IQR 22.0~61.0) min, consultation waiting time was 64.0 (IQR 34.0~128.0) min, and consultation time was 152.0 (IQR 87.0~245.0) min. Violence, alcohol consumption, consultation with plastic surgeon, and consultation with ophthalmologist showed association with prolonged LOS (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.04, p<0.001). Violence and alcohol consumption affected consultation waiting time (p<0.001, p<0.001) and consultation time (p=0.04, p<0.001). Consultation with a plastic surgeon and consultation with an ophthalmologist affected consultation time (p=0.03, p<0.001). Patients with symptoms including blindness, blurred vision, and visual field defect showed significant association with SIOS (Odd ratio=14.08). CONCLUSION: Violence, alcohol consumption, and consultations with specialists showed significant association with LOS.