The development and use of a computerized database for the evaluation of facial fractures incorporating aspects of the AAOMS Parameters of Care.

PURPOSE: This article discusses the development and use of a computerized database to evaluate facial fracture patients. Examples of epidemiologic and treatment outcome analyses that can be performed are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: FileMaker Pro 2.1 and 3.0 (Claris Corporation, Santa Clara, CA) for the Macintosh (Apple Computer, Inc, Cupertino, CA) was used for the development of the database. The database contained information on the facial fracture patients treated at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1996. Eight evaluation forms were used: general information, and mandibular, maxillary, zygomatic, nasal, naso-orbital-ethmoid, orbital, and frontal sinus fractures. Indications for therapy and postoperative complications from the AAOMS Parameters of Care, Section on Trauma Surgery, were also included.

RESULTS: This database allowed collection of a vast amount of data on 265 patients. Some of the analyses done on patients with mandibular fractures are described.

CONCLUSION: This computerized database provides a quick and systematic method of obtaining and retrieving information on facial fracture patients. Numerous epidemiologic and treatment outcome analyses can be performed. Overall complication rates based on the AAOMS Parameters of Care are higher than previously published rates because of the longer list of complications being evaluated.