The impact of COVID-19 on complications and long-term outcomes in maxillofacial trauma: A retrospective multicentre analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global healthcare, including patterns of maxillofacial trauma. This multicentre retrospective study analysed 3954 patients treated from January 2018 to December 2023 at hospitals in Bratislava, Martin, and Kosice, covering three periods: pre-COVID, during COVID, and post-COVID. Data included patient demographics, trauma causes, treatment methods, and complication rates. While short-term complication rates remained consistent across the periods, statistical analysis showed a strong association between fracture type and complications (p < 0.001). Mandibular, alveolar process, and naso-orbito-ethmoidal (NOE) fractures had the highest short-term complication rates (9.8 %, 11.8 %, and 16.4 %, respectively). Long-term outcomes were significantly affected by fracture type and injury cause, with blow-in fractures resulting in persistent issues in 50 % of cases. The COVID-19 period showed slightly fewer short-term complications, but worse long-term outcomes, likely due to delayed care and limited follow-up. Post-COVID outcomes improved compared to pre-COVID levels. The findings underscore the importance of resilient and adaptable healthcare systems in managing trauma effectively during public health crises, offering key lessons for future protocols in trauma care. © The Author(s) 2025.