Oral and maxillofacial emergencies: A retrospective study of 5220 cases in West China

Abstract

Background/Aim There are no epidemiological reports focused on the oral and maxillofacial surgery emergency department in the West China Hospital of Stomatology. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of emergency patients admitted for Trauma and Plastic Surgery Department of the West China Hospital of Stomatology from 2016–2019. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 5220 patients with complete medical records were evaluated. The following data were collected: gender, age, etiology, disease type distribution, anatomic injury site and treatment modality. Results There were 3046 males and 2174 females (ratio 1.40:1), with an average age of 16.2 years. The largest group was children aged between 3 and 6 years old (28.3%). Maxillofacial injuries were the most common condition (87.3%), which mostly occurred on the forehead (29.7%), followed by the lips (27.8%). A fall was the leading cause of injury (59.9%), especially in patients younger than 6 years old. There were 327 cases of maxillofacial space infections (MSI), and the mandibular third molars were the most common tooth associated with odontogenic infections (36.2%). Univariable analysis identified that multiple‐space infection, visit time and systemic conditions were the risk factors for being admitted to the hospital for treatment. There were 116 patients (2.2%) with bleeding as the main complaint, and most of the maxillofacial bleeding patients could be stopped by compression (52.6%). Conclusion Males and children aged younger than 6 years were the highest risk populations. Trauma accounted for the majority of emergency patients in maxillofacial surgery. Most maxillofacial injuries involved the forehead and were mainly caused by accidental falls. The proportion of MSI was not high, but serious cases may be life‐threatening. The causes of bleeding were diverse, and the bleeding was easy to control.

Fragment rehydration, splinting, and autotransplantation: A journey to better treatment for traumatized teeth

“…Severe TDIs can lead to tooth loss, but timely and appropriate treatment provided to traumatized teeth can significantly impact their prognosis. [6][7][8] The limited number of referral centers for TDIs, as well as their distance to other facilities may cause a delay in treating TDIs. 9 In this issue, an 8-year retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University Dental Clinic in Zagreb, Croatia.…”

“…Severe TDIs can lead to tooth loss, but timely and appropriate treatment provided to traumatized teeth can significantly impact their prognosis 6–8 . The limited number of referral centers for TDIs, as well as their distance to other facilities may cause a delay in treating TDIs 9 .…”

Prevention of maxillofacial injuries through analysis of mechanisms, patterns, and long‐term sequalae

“…In order to prevent such injuries, we must first understand the mechanisms, patterns, and long‐term sequelae. The articles in this Issue provide a broad range of insight into oral trauma 27–29 . Shimizu et al investigated the mechanisms of tooth injury in Japanese adolescents.…”

“…Their qualitative analysis brings us one step closer to understanding the etiology of dental trauma in school children and thus preventing such injuries. Zhou et al analyzed the epidemiology of maxillofacial emergencies in West China 28 . With a sample size of over 5000 patients, the authors were able to identify high‐risk populations for oral trauma and maxillofacial space infections.…”

“…18 In order to decrease the prevalence China. 28 With a sample size of over 5000 patients, the authors were able to identify high-risk populations for oral trauma and maxillofacial space infections. The retrospective analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up in cases of maxillofacial injuries.…”