The Effect of Covid-19-Related Social Distancing Restrictions on Maxillofacial Fractures Epidemiology.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in maxillofacial fracture epidemiology and etiology regarding Covid-19-related social distancing restrictions in an Iranian population.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in six major trauma center hospitals in Iran in a period of two years (March 2018 until March 2020). The primary outcome variable was the maxillofacial fractures incidence. Patients' demographic data, date of injury as well as fracture characteristics, fracture etiology, type, and site were all recorded, compared, and analyzed in the control and experimental groups.

Results: The patients consisted of 520 (83.6%) males and 102 (16.4%) females. Patients sustaining maxillofacial fractures over this two-year period displayed a mean age of 31.24±14.44, with an age range of 2 to 88 years. The incidence of maxillofacial fractures significantly decreased in all age groups (p<0.001). After social distancing restrictions were placed; there was a significant drop in the number of subjects attending due to motorcycle collisions and road traffic accidents, whereas the number of fractures caused by assaults and domestic violence significantly increased (p<0.001 for each).

Conclusion: The investigators realized that social distancing restrictions were able to change the trends and patterns in maxillofacial fracture incidence and etiology.