CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA IN THE ELDERLY

Purpose: Limited data are currently available regarding the nature of craniomaxillofacial fractures in the geriatric population. This retros pective study reviews 109 hospital records dating from 1981 to mid-199 3. The goal of this study was to provide details relevant to these typ es of injuries. Results: Most patients were injured in motor vehicle a ccidents (MVA) or fall-related episodes. Females sustained 43.9% of th e fractures while males sustained 56.1%. In females, falls were the mo st common cause of fractures, while in males MVAs caused the majority of fractures (P < .01). Most fractures were found in the upper midface region (60.3%) and the mandible (27.5%). MVAs and falls were responsi ble for 82.7% of all mandibular fractures, The majority of fractures w ere treated nonsurgically (49.5%); however, 37.6% were treated with op en reduction and internal fixation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.1%, and there were three postoperative complications. Conclusion, The geriatric craniomaxillofacial trauma patient is readily treatable with both aggressive surgical measures and more conservative approache s. Elderly patients often have an underlying medical condition that ma y subsequently alter the patient's treatment, The findings of this stu dy also suggest that more preventive measures and methods of minimizin g mortality and morbidity need to be implemented.