Demography of maxillofacial fractures cases and modifications of management protocol during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives. Following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, all health care professionals were forced to change their methods of managing patients who come to the hospital for different diseases. The purpose of our study is to report the experience of this period, regarding: the study of demography in the presentation of facial and maxillary facial fractures, as well as the description of precautions taken and changes in management methods during the treatment of these cases. Materials and Methods. The study was performed in a tertiary care hospital, as a descriptive study on 30 consecutive patients with faciomaxillary trauma admitted to our hospital since the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown. The demographic data and the management protocol of the patient with facial fractures were noted and interpreted. Results. We found that several men suffered maxillofacial injuries as a result of RTA, despite the lockdown. Middle face fractures were the most common that required surgery. Sixteen patients underwent surgery in view of malocclusion and complex facial lacerations. Intra operative important steps were taken to reduce aerosol generation in the form of quick intubation, lower power settings of bipolar cautery and drill, islet application and use of self-drilling screws thereby reducing OT time as well. Post op. minimal malocclusion was seen in 5 (30%) patients who had undergone arch bar application and in 2 (12%) patient who had undergone islet application. Conclusions. Understanding patient demography is crucial for redistribution of hospital resources especially during a pandemic. Adaptable and flexible guidelines are required at every stage to ensure adequate patient treatment as well as limit any cross infection. Proper fixation of all fractures as per universal recommendations should be preferred always.

Keywords

• faciomaxillary fractures
• covid 19 precautions
• personal protection equipment