The purpose of this study was to undertake a retrospective cross-sectional analysis that compared the frequency and characteristics of facial injury presentations at a UK and an Australian tertiary referral hospital during COVID-19 social distancing.
The primary predictor variables were a heterogeneous set of factors grouped into logical categories: demographics, injury mechanisms and site, and management. The primary outcome variable was the presentation of a hard or soft tissue facial injury. A descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken on the assembled data.
The study found a clinical and statistically significant reduction in the frequency (absolute numbers) and prevalence (number per 1000 population) of facial injuries at each study site. In addition, the striking similarity common in both countries was an increase in facial injury due to falls and a decrease in facial injury due to interpersonal violence. Conservative (non-operative) management of facial injury increased at both sites. The implementation of COVID-19 social distancing public health measures, aimed at limiting the community transmission of coronavirus, had a secondary serendipitous effect in reducing the frequency of facial injury presentations and altering its epidemiological characteristics at both a UK and Australian tertiary referral hospital.
Osteomyelitis of the jaws is uncommon but can be a complication of extraction or exposure of teeth in patients who are immunosuppressed or have undergone radiotherapy to the head and neck region. We report a case of osteomyelitis in a patient who has osteopetrosis. The initial clinical presentation was that of an infected retained root, secondary to denture trauma to the supporting tissues. Radiological interpretation was difficult owing to the increased bone density and surgical exploration revealed only a dense region of necrotic bone.
Study Design: A retrospective study was undertaken of a cohort of facially injured patients using matched 8-week periods: non-COVID (2019) and COVID (2020). Objective: To determine whether there were any changes to the frequency and characteristics of facial injury due to the imposition of COVID-19 social distancing measures. Methods: The primary predictor variable was an 8-week period of COVID-19 social distancing. The primary outcome variable was the sustaining of a facial injury. Demographic (age/gender) and injury characteristics (mechanism, site, and treatment) were also studied. Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken and comparison made using Pearson χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The number of facial injuries decreased from 103 (2019) to 73 (2020). There were statistically significant differences in changes over time for the 8-week periods. There were some clinically apparent differences seen in the characteristics of facial injuries. Conclusions: The imposition of COVID-19 social distancing changed the frequency and characteristics of facial injury.
As far as we can ascertain, this is the first report of an aberrant branch of the hypoglossal nerve. Although this variant would appear to be extremely rare, surgeons must consider all variations of this nerve during head and neck procedures, in order to minimise iatrogenic complications.
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