ABSTRACT
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the institution of strict public health measures aimed at reducing virus transmission. This coincided with a well-documented alteration to the frequency and characteristics of maxillofacial trauma presentations. The aim was to examine the incidence and characteristics of maxillofacial trauma at a large tertiary hospital in the United Kingdom to determine whether these previously reported changes persisted after the relaxation of COVID-19 ?lockdown? legislation. Method: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who sustained a facial injury during the 8-week period of 16th March 2020 to 11th May 2020 (strict COVID lockdown) compared to the 11th May 2020 to 6th July 2020 (relaxation of COVID lockdown). Cohorts were compared on the incidence and characteristics of facial injury. Results: Compared to the peak of COVID-19 lockdown, the subsequent period during which these laws were eased saw an increase in the frequency of maxillofacial trauma presentations (n?=?78 vs n?=?37). Despite this absolute increase, the incidence remained statistically below seasonal expectation. Operative management remained persistently low (45% in 2020 vs 67% in 2019). Conclusion: This is the first study to report the characteristics of facial trauma after the easing of COVID-19 lockdown legislation. Compared to previously published reports from Australia, there has not yet been a clear return to baseline epidemiology in the UK, perhaps reflecting the severity of the pandemic in that region.
ABSTRACT
The imposition of COVID-19 social distancing laws serendipitously decreased the frequency and altered the characteristics of facial injury presentation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the devolution of social distancing laws had the opposite effect. Materials and methods: The authors undertook a retrospective study of the clinical records of a cohort of patients who sustained a facial injury during COVID-19 social distancing devolution. The primary predictor valuable was the 8?week devolution of social distancing. Other variables consisted of a heterogeneous set of factors grouped into logical categories: demographic, injury specifics, and treatment. A descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken on the assembled results. Results: The study found that the absolute numbers of facial injury presentation rose from 73 to 120;a 64% increase. The study also found that there was an alteration to the characteristics of facial injury presentation across the study variables. Conclusion: The initial imposition and subsequent devolution of COVID-19 social distancing measures had a serendipitous public health benefit. Initially there was a decrease in the frequency of facial injury presentation followed by an increase upon cessation of social distancing restrictions