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

Background

Accidents involving the maxillofacial area are sudden and unforeseen, such as traffic accidents and physical altercations. The COVID-19 pandemic was a critical threat to the public in aspects not only involving physical health but also those affecting psychological health due to isolation, leading to a higher incidence of stress and depression among the general population and specifically in patients with OMF trauma. This study assessed the relationship between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the quantity and severity of maxillofacial injuries.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Clinical Centre in Gdansk from March 2019 to August 2023.

Results

There was an increased risk of injury occurrence to the condylar process of the mandible, especially the left side, Le Fort type II/III fractures, injuries of the maxillary alveolar process, and displacement of the upper facial mass. Simultaneously, a decreased occurrence of certain injuries i.e., Le Fort type III fractures and Le Fort type I/II fractures, was recorded.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased occurrence of high-energy injuries, including displacement of the upper facial mass (p = 0.010).