Citation

Velayutham L, Sivanandarajasingam A, O'Meara C, Hyam DM. Br. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 2013; 51(2): 128-132.

Affiliation

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Building 6, The Canberra Hospital, Garran ACT 2605, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.bjoms.2012.05.003

PMID

22677216

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the aetiology and management of facial fractures in patients over 60years old and to identify potential trends in caseload to assist with planning of resources for maxillofacial services in the coming decades. We made a prospective study over 2years (2009-2010), during which all injured patients referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery unit at The Canberra Hospital, Australia were recruited. The patients were classified into two groups: less than 60years old (younger group); or 60years old or more (older group). Factors studied included sex, age, aetiology, site of fractures, severity scored using the Maxillofacial Injury Severity Score (MFISS), and management. Based on current trends, the expected workload was extrapolated. A total of 470 patients were recruited (younger: n=430 and older: n=40). Falls were the most common cause of fracture in the older group (85%) and the zygoma (40%) was the bone most commonly fractured. The mean (SD) MFISS for the older group was 3.8 (2.2) (17% of these maxillofacial injuries were operated on) and 6.0 (5.0) for the younger group (72% of these were operated on). In Australia, population trends suggest that older people as a proportion of the total population will rise from about 20% of 22 million to 26% of 30 million by 2034. As the older group increases there will be a corresponding increase in the number of older people who present with trauma to maxillofacial units. The overall maxillofacial surgical workload will probably not increase much because the injuries tend to be less severe and are less likely to require operation.

Language: en