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Review
. 2024 Apr 22;13(8):2437.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13082437.

Enhancing Cranio-Maxillofacial Fracture Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Christian Deininger  1 , Florian Wichlas  1 , Marco Necchi  2 , Amelie Deluca  3 , Susanne Deininger  4 , Klemens Trieb  1   5 , Herbert Tempfer  3 , Lukas Kriechbaumer  1 , Andreas Traweger  3
Affiliations
Review

Enhancing Cranio-Maxillofacial Fracture Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Christian Deininger et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) injuries represent a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, resources, and training. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current strategies and solutions proposed in the literature to improve CMF fracture care in LMICs, focusing on education, patient transfer, and off-label solutions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline from January 2000 to June 2023. Studies were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Statement (PRISMA). Solutions were categorized into three main areas: education (digital and on-site teaching, fellowships abroad), patient transfer to specialized clinics, and off-label/non-operative solutions. Results: Twenty-three articles were included in the review, revealing a consensus on the necessity for enhanced education and training for local surgeons as the cornerstone for sustainable improvements in CMF care in LMICs. Digital platforms and on-site teaching were identified as key methods for delivering educational content. Furthermore, patient transfer to specialized national clinics and innovative off-label techniques were discussed as immediate solutions to provide quality care despite resource constraints. Conclusions: Effective CMF fracture care in LMICs requires a multifaceted approach, prioritizing the education and training of local healthcare professionals, facilitated patient transfer to specialized centers, and the adoption of off-label solutions to leverage available resources. Collaborative efforts between international organizations, local healthcare providers, and educational institutions are essential to implement these solutions effectively and improve patient outcomes in LMICs.

Keywords: cranio-maxillofacial injuries; education; low- and middle-income countries; off-label solutions; patient transfer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of the study selection following recommendations of the PRISMA-Statement.
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