Published in:

Open Access 11-04-2024 | Facial Fracture | Research

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maxillofacial trauma surgery in Germany - implications from the national DRG database

Authors: Axel Meisgeier, Simon Pienkohs, Laura Moosdorf, Andreas Neff

Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the personal and social lives of millions of people and also impacted the etiological factors of midfacial trauma such as falls, interpersonal violence or traffic accidents. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on maxillofacial trauma surgery in the German healthcare system.

Methods

Nationwide data regarding the national diagnosis-related-group (DRG) inpatient billing system used in all German hospitals was received from the German Federal Statistical Office. Various trauma-associated procedures of the Operation and Procedure Classification System (OPS), a German modification of the International Classification of Medical Procedures (ICPM), were statistically associated with different epidemiological factors between 2012 and 2021.

Results

A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in surgeries regarding maxillofacial fractures was registered during the years 2020 and 2021. Young male patients had the largest decline in maxillofacial trauma surgeries during this period (p < 0.05). In contrast. elderly patients 80 years and older showed a dramatic increase in the frequency of fractures in both the midface and the mandible (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

During the COVID 19 pandemic there has been a shift in the number, composition and etiology of maxillofacial fracture surgeries. Measures of social distancing and personal risk avoidance had a societal positive effect on the frequency of facial injuries. This stands in contrast to the drastic increase in fractures of elderly people who should be protected primarily by the measures taken. These results can help to understand these influences better in future pandemics.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register No: DRKS00032778.

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Title: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maxillofacial trauma surgery in Germany - implications from the national DRG database
Authors: Axel Meisgeier
Simon Pienkohs
Laura Moosdorf
Andreas Neff
Publication date: 11-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Facial Fracture
Facial Fracture
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 1865-1550
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1569
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-024-01248-9

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maxillofacial trauma surgery in Germany - implications from the national DRG database

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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Abstract

Purpose

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