41 - PREDICTORS OF FACIAL FRACTURES IN TRAUMA PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW AT A LEVEL I RURAL TRAUMA CENTER

Objectives: The incidence and causes of facial fractures differ between patients, but patterns arise within populations. These patterns vary by gender, age, and even social differences between countries. While many studies have looked at the rate of facial fractures within different groups, little has been done to assess the risk each of these factors confer. The aim of this study is to determine variables that can be used to identify patients at risk for facial fractures in a United States trauma population.

Methods: This is a single center study of Trauma Registry data, inclusive years July 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon all trauma patients. The confirmation of a non-isolated facial fracture (dependent variable) was verified by an ICD10 diagnosis code. A logistic regression was performed in SPSS to ascertain the effects of predictor variables on the likelihood that a trauma patient will experience a facial fracture.

Results: 20377 patients were included in the analysis based upon the requirements specified in the methods section; 1575(7%) had a positive facial fracture. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (N=18507, p < 0.01). Several significant risk-factors for facial fracture were identified, which included helicopter transport (OR=1.35, p<.01) with increasing injury severity scores (OR=1.07, p<.01). The mode of injury most likely to predict a facial fracture outcome included assault (OR=6.62, p<.01), moped and (OR=2.02, p<.01), motorcycle trauma (OR=1.55, p<.01). The discharge disposition most likely among facial fracture patients included short-term general hospital (OR=1.71, p<.01) and intermediate care facility (OR=4.47, p<.01).

Conclusion: Patients with traumatic injuries from assault, moped, and motorcycle accidents were more likely to present with facial fractures. These patients had more severe injuries, seen as an increased ISS, decreased GCS, a higher likelihood of transport by helicopter, and a need for additional care after discharge. Understanding these differences can help physicians identify patients at risk for facial fractures in a trauma setting.