Factors affecting hospital discharge in maxillofacial trauma patients: a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: To determine factors that may affect the time of discharge from hospital in patients who underwent maxillofacial trauma. Methods: The sample included 115 patients seen at a public hospital in Brazil, to whom surgical maxillofacial treatment was delivered. Data were obtained from patients’ medical records and then followed by a statistical analysis using a 5% significance level. Results: The location of fractures and other clinical features such as the presence of edema and ecchymosis were found to be significantly associated with increased time of discharge from hospital (P 0.05). Conclusion: Female gender was associated with greater time of hospital discharge, and further concerns should be addressed to the management of lesions following maxillofacial trauma surgical interventions.

Keywords

• Facial injuries. Medical records. Outcome assessment (health care).