Epidemiology of facial fractures among older adults: A retrospective analysis of a nationwide emergency department database

Abstract

Background/aims: The prevalence of facial fractures among older adults has increased in recent years, and nationwide studies about the epidemiological profile and outcomes of hospital-based ED visits for facial fractures among older adults are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide USA-wide data of hospital-based Emergency Department (ED) visits for facial fractures among older adults, and to investigate the outcomes associated with these visits.

Material and methods: The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) for the years 2008-2014 was used for the present study. All ED visits with a diagnosis of facial fractures in any of the diagnoses fields and only patients aged 65 years and above were included.

Results: A total of 540 748 ED visits matched the criteria (62.7% were females). Public insurance-Medicare-(85.2%) was the most common payer. The three most frequent facial fractures included fractures of the nasal bones (61.3%), fractures of "other" facial bones (16.7%), and fractures of the orbital floor (15.0%). Falls were the most common causes of facial fractures (81.8%). Following ED visits, 64.1% were treated and released, and 30.6% were admitted into the hospital. The mean ED charge per visit was US$5507. Total ED charges across the entire United States was US$2 518 289 555.

Conclusions: Among older adults, nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial fracture. Facial fractures are mainly caused by falls. There was no significant trend in mortality rates over the study period, and there was a significant financial burden associated with the facial fracture-related ED visits.

Keywords: aged; face; facial bones; facial injuries.