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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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Open Access 23-01-2022 | Coronavirus | Original Article

The changing face of maxillofacial trauma during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia

Authors: Sipho Simon Nhongo, Anton Sklavos, Kai Lee, Steven T. F. Chan, Stephen Austin

Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the incidence, aetiology, and patterns of maxillofacial fracture presentations during the various stages of the 2020 Melbourne COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to periods outside lockdown in 2019 and 2020.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 344 subjects. The patterns of facial trauma presentations to a tertiary hospital in metropolitan Melbourne during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions were compared to periods with no restrictions over 22 months from March 2019 to December 2020.

Results

The incidence of maxillofacial fractures decreased by 28% during lockdown (0.41 vs. 0.57 injuries/day, P = 0.0003). Falls overtook interpersonal violence as the leading cause of fractures (44% of lockdown presentations vs. 25.7% of presentations outside lockdown, P = 0.002), while sporting injuries dropped drastically (4% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.005). Lockdowns saw an increase in the proportion of female patients (40% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.03) and a fivefold increase in proportion of domestic violence-related fractures (6.7% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.006). Alcohol-related injuries decreased significantly (11% vs. 21%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

While restrictions reduced rates of interpersonal violence and alcohol-related maxillofacial trauma, there was a higher proportion of injuries to females, increased falls, and domestic violence-related injuries.

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Title: The changing face of maxillofacial trauma during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Sipho Simon Nhongo
Anton Sklavos
Kai Lee
Steven T. F. Chan
Stephen Austin
Publication date: 23-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Coronavirus
Public Health
COVID-19
Maxillofacial Injuries
Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1865-1550
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1569
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-022-01041-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The changing face of maxillofacial trauma during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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