Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on maxillofacial trauma etiology

ABSTRACT

Objective: Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is a frequent presentation in the emergency department (ED) which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Although, its etiology and diversity of injuries are almost similar worldwide, the causes may differ among the countries depending on the sociocultural and environmental factors and local traffic regulations. This study aims to evaluate etiologies of maxillofacial traumas (MFTs) in ED and to compare etiologies of MFTs during COVID-19 pandemic with the previous year. Patients and Methods: Totally 84 (61 males, 23 females) patients admitted to ED of our center with MFT between March 15th - April 30th, 2020 were included. The control group consisted of 148 (112 males, 36 females) MFT patients admitted to ED in the previous year (March 15th-April 30th, 2019). Data including age, sex, cause of trauma, treatment, and COVID-19 infection status within 14 days after ED admission were compared between groups. Results: Mean age was 31.88 +/- 2.53 years in the patient group and 31.40 +/- 1.74 years in the control group. Number of patients admitted to ED with MFTs decreased by 43.3% during pandemic compared to the previous year. Majority of MFTs occurred at home, followed by public places, traffic, and workplaces in both time periods. During pandemic, the rate of home accidents increased and MFTs occurred in the public places decreased. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic-mandated social restrictions lead to a decrease in the number of MFTs. However, home accidents are the main cause of MFTs. Spread of COVID-19 infection in the hospital setting can be minimized with necessary precautions.