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Trends in Management and Cost Burden of Facial Fractures: A 14-Year Analysis

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Objective To discuss patient demographics and management and better understand the economic impact associated with the treatment of facial fractures at a major metropolitan level 1 trauma center. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods We identified 5088 facial fractures in 2479 patients who presented from 2008 to 2022. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment information, and hospital charges were collected and analyzed to determine factors associated with surgical management and increased cost burden. Results Our 14‐year experience identified 1628 males and 851 females with a mean age of 45.7 years. Orbital fractures were most common (41.2%), followed by maxilla fractures (20.8%). The most common mechanism was fall (43.0%). Surgical management was recommended for 41% of patients. The odds of surgical management was significantly lower in female patients, patients age 65 and older, and patients who presented after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The odds of surgical management was significantly higher for patients who had a mandible fracture or greater than 1 fracture. The average cost of management was highest for naso‐orbito‐ethmoidal fractures (37,997.74±52,850.88),followedbyLeFortandfrontalfractures(37,997.74 ± 52,850.88), followed by LeFort and frontal fractures (29.814.41 ± 42,155.73 and $27,613.44 ± 39.178.53, respectively). The highest contributor to the total average cost of management was intensive care unit‐related costs for every fracture type, except for mandible fractures for which the highest contributor was operating room (OR)‐related costs. Conclusions This study represents one of the largest comprehensive databases of facial fractures and one of the first to provide a descriptive cost analysis of facial trauma management. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope , 2024

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... Maxillofacial fractures represent a significant category of bone fractures, with a substantial impact on healthcare, quality of life and a considerable economic burden [1][2][3][4]. Maxillofacial fractures encompass a range of injuries affecting the mandible, the maxilla, the zygomatic complex, the orbital walls, the teeth, and the paranasal and frontal sinuses. A significant proportion of patients in maxillofacial departments in Germany are those with maxillofacial trauma (MFT) [1]. ...
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Background ICU care is costly, and there is a large variation in cost among patients. Methods This is an observational study conducted at two ICUs in an academic centre. We compared the demographics, clinical data, and outcomes of the highest decile of patients by total costs, to the rest of the population. Results A total of 7,849 patients were included. The high-cost group had a longer median ICU length of stay (26 versus 4 days, P < 0.001) and amounted to 49% of total costs. In-hospital mortality was lower in the high-cost group (21.1% versus 28.4%, P < 0.001). Fewer high-cost patients were discharged home (23.9% versus 45.2%, P < 0.001), and a large proportion were transferred to long-term care (35.1% versus 12.1%, P < 0.001). Patients with younger age or a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, acute respiratory failure, or complications of procedures were more likely to be high cost. Conclusions High-cost users utilized half of the total costs. While cost is associated with LOS, other drivers include younger age or admission for respiratory failure, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or after a procedural complication. Cost-reduction interventions should incorporate strategies to optimize critical care use among these patients.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a major impact on medical and surgical activities. A decline in facial trauma incidence was noticed during the lockdown period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the decline in maxillofacial trauma in France during this particular period. A retrospective multicentre comparative study was initiated in 13 major French public hospital centres. The incidence of facial trauma requiring surgery during the first month of lockdown was compared to that during equivalent periods in 2018 and 2019. Differences in the types of trauma were also analysed. Thirteen maxillofacial departments participated in the study. A significant decline in maxillofacial trauma volumes was observed when compared to equivalent periods in 2018 and 2019 (106 patients compared to 318 and 296 patients, respectively), with an average reduction of 65.5% (P = 0.00087). The proportion of trauma due to sports and leisure was reduced when compared to reports in the literature. As a consequence, in the context of a pandemic, the material and human resources related to this activity could be reallocated to the management of other pathologies that cannot be postponed. © 2020 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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Article
Background / aims: Management of maxillofacial trauma in the geriatric population poses a great challenge due to anatomical variations and medical comorbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the management variables, timing, and outcomes of facial fractures in elderly patients (aged 70 years or more) at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and methods: This study was based on a systematic computer-assisted database that allowed the recording of data from all geriatric patients with facial fractures from the involved maxillofacial surgical units across Europe between 2013 and 2017. Results: A total of 1334 patients were included in the study: 665 patients underwent closed or open surgical treatment. A significant association (p < .005) was found between the presence of concomitant injuries and a prolonged time between hospital admission and treatment. The absence of indications to treatment was associated with comorbidities and an older age (p < .000005). Conclusions: Elderly patients require specific attention and multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and sequencing of trauma treatment. A prudent attitude may be kept in selected cases, especially when severe comorbidities are associated and function is not impaired.
Article
The etiology of fractures of the maxillofacial skeleton varies among studies, with motor vehicle accidents and assaults oftentimes the most common. The number of males outnumbers females throughout most studies. Fractures of the zygoma, orbit, and mandible are usually cited as most common fracture types. This study examines a single center's experience with regards to etiology and distribution of fractures. A retrospective review of all radiologically confirmed facial fractures in a level 1 trauma center in an urban environment was performed for the years 2000 to 2012. Patient demographics, etiology of injury, and location of fractures were collected. During this time period, 2,998 patients were identified as having sustained a fracture of the facial skeleton. The average age was 36.9 years, with a strong male predominance (81.5%). The most common etiologies of injury were assault (44.9%) and motor vehicle accidents (14.9%). Throughout the study period, the number of fractures as a result of assault remained relatively constant, whereas the number as a result of motor vehicle accidents decreased slightly. The most common fracture observed was of the orbit, followed by mandible, nasal bones, zygoma, and frontal sinus. Patients sustaining a fracture as a result of assault were more likely to have a mandible fracture. Patients in motor vehicle accidents were more likely to suffer fractures of the maxilla, orbit, and frontal sinus. Mandible fractures are more common in cases of assault. Motor vehicle accidents convey a large force, which, when directed at the craniofacial skeleton, can cause a variety of fracture patterns. The decreasing number of fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents may represent improved safety devices such as airbags.
Article
The aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence of facial fractures has changed in the United States since 1990. This study is a retrospective review of all nonpediatric inpatient and outpatient facilities of the Detroit Medical Center from 1990 to 2011 and weighted national inpatient estimates from 1993 to 2010 using the National Inpatient Survey. Facial fractures and surgical repairs were grouped according to fracture site and scaled to annual populations. Chow testing determined the year with the most significant change in trend, and regressions were performed before and after the break point. Chow testing showed the year 2000 as the most significant break point across all data sets. National inpatient and institutional data showed a significant decrease in total fractures and most subsites during the 1990s and an increase since 2000. Since 1990, the rate of fracture repairs decreased at our institution and during inpatient stays in the United States. Motor vehicle-related injuries have decreased since the early 1990s. Assault rates have fallen nationally but increased slightly in Detroit. Evidence from the largest institutional series of adult facial fractures and the largest national inpatient database supports a decrease in fractures and repairs during the 1990s and an increase in fractures despite no change in repairs since 2000. These trends are likely related to increasing use of computed tomographic imaging, decreasing severity of facial injuries, and changing incidences of the major etiologies of facial fractures.
Article
The purpose of this study was to analyse the demographics, causes and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures managed at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery over one year. The following data were recorded: gender, age, aetiology, site of facial fractures, facial injury severity score, timing of intervention, length of hospital stay. Data for a total of 3396 patients (2655 males and 741 females) with 4155 fractures were recorded. The mean age differed from country to country, ranging between 29.9 and 43.9 years. Overall, the most frequent cause of injury was assault, which accounted for the injuries of 1309 patients; assaults and falls alternated as the most important aetiological factor in the various centres. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible with 1743 fractures, followed by orbital-zygomatic-maxillary (OZM) fractures. Condylar fractures were the most commonly observed mandibular fracture. The results of the EURMAT collaboration confirm the changing trend in maxillofacial trauma epidemiology in Europe, with trauma cases caused by assaults and falls now outnumbering those due to road traffic accidents. The progressive ageing of the European population, in addition to strict road and work legislation may have been responsible for this change. Men are still the most frequent victims of maxillofacial injuries. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Article
Objective: To discuss patient demographics, hospitalization characteristics, and costs associated with the treatment of mandible fractures. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Subjects/methods: Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, fracture locations, and common comorbidities for patients with isolated mandible fractures were analyzed, and variables associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization stay were ascertained. Results: A total of 1481 patients were identified with isolated mandible fractures. The average age was 32, 85.4% were male, 39% were Caucasian, and 25% African American. Forty percent were from the lowest median household income quartile, and 77% were uninsured or government funded. The average length of stay (LOS) was 2.65 days, and average hospitalization cost was 35,804.AstatisticallysignificantincreasedLOSwasassociatedwithalcoholabuse,drugabuse,mentalillness,diabetesmellitustype2,cardiovasculardisease,HIV,andageover40.Therewasastatisticallysignificantincreasedtotalcostassociatedwithdrugabuse,alcoholabuse,mentalillness,cardiovasculardisease,andageover40.Conclusion:Theaveragecostfortreatmentofmandiblefractureswas35,804. A statistically significant increased LOS was associated with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, mental illness, diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular disease, HIV, and age over 40. There was a statistically significant increased total cost associated with drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, cardiovascular disease, and age over 40. Conclusion: The average cost for treatment of mandible fractures was 35,804 per person with increased expenditures for older patients and those with a history of mental illness, cardiovascular disease, or substance abuse. To improve outcomes and reduce hospital charges, outpatient resources and inpatient protocols should be implemented to address the factors we identified as contributing to higher costs and increased hospital stay.
Article
Background The etiology, demographics, fracture site in facial injury patients have been reported worldwide. However, few studies have attempted to identify changes in maxillofacial fractures over time periods and between countries. The statistics are vastly different due to variations in social, environmental, and cultural factors. Methods Data were collected from departmental records between 1996 and 2006 for patients treated at Christchurch Hospital for facial fractures. Variables examined included incidence, demographics, site of fracture, and treatment methods. Results A total of 2563 patients presented during the study period, 1158 patients in the first half and 1404 patients in the second half. Male-to-female ratio was 4:1 in both periods and males in 16- to 30-year group accounted for about half of all patients. Interpersonal violence was the most common cause of injuries, and there was a decrease in injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Approximately half of all patients required hospitalization and surgery, and the most common method of treatment was open reduction and internal fixation. Conclusion Maxillofacial fracture is a common injury in young males following interpersonal violence in New Zealand. Studies in other countries and over different time periods yield interesting differences in the etiology, demographics, and fractures patterns. These are due to environmental, societal, cultural, and legislative differences.
Article
Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with a considerable proportion of trauma patients sustaining concomitant maxillofacial (MF) injuries. The purpose of this study was to review and analyse the epidemiology, management and complications of patients with MF fractures managed by the Faciomaxillary Surgery Unit at the Alfred Trauma Hospital in Melbourne. The secondary objective of the study was to determine the risk factors for developing postoperative complications. A retrospective records review was performed for 980 patients who were treated for MF fracture(s) from January 2009 to December 2011. Descriptive statistics were used and independent demographic and injury-related factors assessed for association with outcome using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 1949 MF fractures from 980 patients were treated over the study period. Males (n = 785, 80.10%) and patients aged 15-24 years (n = 541, 55.20%) were the most frequently affected (mean age (standard deviation, SD) 27.69 (19.22)). The most common aetiology was assault (n = 293, 29.90%). The majority presented with fractures of the orbit (n = 359, 36.33%). In total, 803 fractures from 500 patients were treated operatively. Mandibular fractures were most commonly treated surgically (79.82%). Postoperative complications occurred in 69 of 500 patients treated surgically (13.8%), most commonly due to infected metalware (n = 16, 3.20%). Multiple fractures were associated with a higher probability of requiring surgery (p < 0.001) and developing postoperative complications (p < 0.001) compared to isolated fractures. MF fractures most commonly affected young males, often as a result of an assault. Per bony injury, mandibular fractures had the greatest proportion that was managed operatively. High-energy injuries were associated with an increased risk of sustaining multiple MF fractures and developing postoperative complications.
Article
Injuries resulting from accidents are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to present epidemiologic estimates of hospital-based emergency department (ED) visits for facial fractures in the United States. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2007 was used. All ED visits with facial fractures were selected. Demographic characteristics of these ED visits, causes of injuries, presence of concomitant injuries, and resource use in hospitals were examined. All estimates were projected to national levels and each ED visit was the unit of analysis. During 2007 in the United States, 407,167 ED visits concerned a facial fracture. Patients' average age for each ED visit was 37.9 years. Sixty-eight percent of all ED visits concerned male patients, and 85,759 ED visits resulted in further treatment in the same hospital. Three hundred fourteen patients died in EDs, and 2,717 died during hospitalization. Mean charge per each ED visit was 3,192.TotalUnitedStatesEDchargeswerecloseto3,192. Total United States ED charges were close to 1 billion. Mean hospitalization charges (ED and inpatient charges) amounted to $62,414. Mean length of stay was 6.23 days, and total hospitalization time in the entire United States was 534,322 days. Frequently reported causes of injuries included assaults (37% of all ED visits), falls (24.6%), and motor vehicle accidents (12.1%). The management of maxillofacial fractures in EDs across the United States uses considerable resources. The public health impact of facial fractures is highlighted in the present study.
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Intensive care is being scrutinized as a major factor in increasing health care costs. We examined 404 consecutive admissions to the medical ICUs at a university medical center to study patterns of consumption of ICU resources and the proportion of resources used by patients admitted for monitoring only. We found a skewed distribution of ICU resource consumption, with the "high-cost" 8 percent using as many ICU resources as the "low-cost" 92 percent. Forty-one percent of admissions did not receive acute ICU treatments, but these admissions consumed less than 10 percent of ICU resources. Reducing the number of patients admitted for monitoring will have a relatively small impact on hospital charges. Since over 70 percent of the high-cost patients died, improved understanding of prognosis and better physician-patient communication may substantially reduce the proportion of critical care resources expended on futile treatment.
Article
The objective of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of alternative treatment algorithms for the management of isolated mandibular fractures. This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective study consisting of a chart review of 25 patients who underwent operative repair of an isolated mandible fracture between July 1, 1999, and June 30, 2000. Patients were stratified into two groups: patients who were immediately admitted to the hospital from the emergency department (ED) versus patients who were discharged from the ED and who returned for elective scheduled operative repair. Patients' total hospital charges were compared on the basis of operating room (OR) time, operative materials, and hospital charges. Seventeen of the study patients were directly admitted from the ED, and eight underwent elective scheduled operative repair. Of the patients directly admitted from the ED, the mean age was 34.9 years (range, 19-57 years), and the study population consisted of 16 men and 1 woman. This group had a mean OR time of 161 minutes, a mean OR time charge of $1,978.66, a mean OR supply charge of 1,049.43 US dollars, a mean hospital floor charge of 5,041.02 US dollars, and an average hospital stay of 2.82 days. The treatment group of patients undergoing scheduled operative repair (n = 8) had a mean age of 30.3 years (range, 19-49 years), and all were men. This second treatment group had a mean OR time of 167.1 minutes, a mean OR time charge of 2,162.03 US dollars, a mean OR supply charge of 871.00 US dollars, a mean hospital floor charge of 2,759.38 US dollars, and a mean hospital stay of 0.88 days. Comparison of the two study groups demonstrated operative charges were made on the basis of time and materials and were shown to have no statistically significant difference (p = 0.753 and p = 0.289, respectively). Comparison of hospital charges revealed that patients admitted directly from the ED had a mean charge 2,276.70 US dollars higher (p = 0.019) and stayed 1.95 days longer in the hospital than patients discharged from the emergency department who returned for elective scheduled repair. There were two complications in the study patients; both occurred in the group admitted directly from the emergency room. The results of this study indicate that the most cost-effective management of an isolated mandibular fracture is initial evaluation in the ED with elective interval operative repair. This management protocol is, of course, only applicable if the patient is clinically stable and has no other injuries or comorbidities necessitating in-hospital observation.
Article
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subset of costs incurred for surgical treatment of isolated midface and mandible fractures of patients admitted directly from the emergency department compared with those admitted as outpatients after evaluation and discharge from the emergency department. After institutional review board approval, the records of patients admitted to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center were studied retrospectively for patients who underwent surgical repair of an isolated facial fracture between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000. Patients were placed into one of two groups: admission from the emergency department versus admission as an out-patient. Total hospital charges were compared, and complications were evaluated. Mechanism of injury, age, and gender were recorded within each group. Forty-two patients met the study criteria. Twenty-eight patients were admitted directly from the emergency department (Group A), and 14 were admitted as outpatients after elective scheduling for operative repair (Group B). Operative charges based on utilization of time and materials showed no statistical significance between Group A (P = 0.275) and Group B (P = 0.393). Patients admitted directly from the emergency department had a mean hospital charge of 3,556.66 dollars higher (P< or = 0.001) and stayed 2 days longer in the hospital as compared with the outpatient group. No differences were noted in complications between the study groups. The results of this study reveal a significant decrease in cost for patients with isolated facial fractures admitted as outpatients on scheduling surgery as compared with immediate admission from the emergency department.
Article
With little in the published literature on the conservative management of facial fractures we set out to determine whether our current criteria for treatment are valid. Two hundred and thirty adult patients with fractures of the facial skeleton were treated conservatively by our unit between February 1997 and January 2003. Their notes were reviewed retrospectively. Most patients were males (76%), the average age was 38 years, and drugs or alcohol were a significant aspect of the history in 30% of the cases. The most common mechanism of injury was assault (47%), followed by falls and sporting injuries. Fifty percent of the fractures involved the orbital or orbito-zygomatic complex, and 55% had associated injuries. Average follow-up was for six weeks (range 0-44 weeks). Most patients were managed conservatively based on our current criteria of un-displaced/minimally displaced fracture (57%); or minimal/no symptoms (24%). At final review, a number had residual symptoms, but only three required corrective surgery. The other reasons for conservative management included patient non-compliance (11%), and medical contraindications (8%). Our results support current indications for the conservative management of facial fractures, but emphasise the need for ongoing follow-up of these patients.
Article
The financial impact of operative facial fracture management has not been systematically investigated. This study aims to provide a descriptive financial analysis of patients undergoing operative facial fracture management at a single academic medical center and the financial impact on the health system. The records of 202 patients who underwent operative facial fracture management over a 3-year period (2003 to 2005) were analyzed. All physician (professional) and hospital charges related to fracture management were included. Professional charges were subdivided by specialty and by payer type; hospital charges included operating room, recovery room, intensive care unit, hospital bed, supply charges, pharmaceuticals, laboratory charges, and radiographs. For comparison, similar data were obtained for the general plastic surgery population and for orthopedic surgery patients. The sum of all professional charges billed was 2,478,234(average,2,478,234 (average, 12,268 per patient). Collections for these professional services totaled 675,434,yieldinganoverallreimbursementrateof27percent.Reimbursementratesrangedfrom38percentforcriticalcarephysiciansto24percentforsurgeryandneuroradiology.ThehighestcollectionratesoccurredinchildrencoveredbytheStateChildrensHealthInsuranceProgramandinprisoninmates(53percentand99percent,respectively).Thelowestcollectionrateswereobtainedfromuninsuredpatients(10percenttotalbillingovercollections).Totalhospitalchargeswere675,434, yielding an overall reimbursement rate of 27 percent. Reimbursement rates ranged from 38 percent for critical care physicians to 24 percent for surgery and neuroradiology. The highest collection rates occurred in children covered by the State Children's Health Insurance Program and in prison inmates (53 percent and 99 percent, respectively). The lowest collection rates were obtained from uninsured patients (10 percent total billing over collections). Total hospital charges were 18,120,027 (average, 89,703perpatient);thetotalcollectionswere89,703 per patient); the total collections were 2,770,115 (15 percent reimbursement rate). This study provides a descriptive financial analysis of operative facial fracture management. The unfavorable financial circumstances associated with facial trauma care may present a challenge to academic medical centers and plastic surgeons.