Trends in Operative Complex Middle and Upper Maxillofacial Trauma: A <scp>17‐Year</scp> Study

Objectives/Hypothesis Over 3 million incidents of facial trauma occur each year in the United States. This study aims to determine trends operative middle and upper maxillofacial one largest US cities. Study Design Retrospective case-control study. Methods chart review all from July 1993 2010 presenting Los Angeles County Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center. Data included demographics, mechanism injury, fracture characteristics. Results Analysis was performed for total 4,299 patients 5,549 fractures. Mean patient age 34.6, most were male (88%). Between two time periods (1993–2001 2002–2010), there 42% reduction (3,510 2,039). Orbital floor zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures prevalent types Panfacial demonstrated number (325 5, P<0.01). Assault motor vehicle accidents (MVA) common mechanisms injury. Operative due MVAs decreased (390 214, P = .74), whereas assault increased (749 800, Compared adults, pediatric (age < 18) caused by higher percentage (27% vs. 13%), auto versus pedestrian (9% 5%), gunshot wounds (8% 4%) (P<0.01). Conclusions over 17-year period. significant overall. These suggest that focusing future prevention strategies on curtailing interpersonal violence may more effectively address burden trauma. Evidence Laryngoscope, 131:1985–1989, 2021