Cost and Inpatient Burden of Mandible Fracture Management: A 14-Year Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate characteristics associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization of mandible fracture management.

Study design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, treatment information, and associated costs were collected for all patients treated for mandible fracture treated at a single institution over a 14-year period. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the patient and fracture characteristics associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization.

Results: We identified 552 patients with 834 mandible fractures from 2008 to 2022. Patients' mean age was 40 years, 67% were male, and 38% Caucasian. The median cost of treatment, adjusted for inflation, was $8,869.49, and median length of stay (LOS) was 3.0 days. Associated cranial/intracranial injury, transfer presentation, increased facial fractures, and traffic-related injuries resulted in a significant increase in both cost and LOS. LOS had a significant impact on cost, while age also significantly increased LOS for patients with mandible fractures.

Conclusions: This study represents one of the largest comprehensive databases of mandible fractures and one of the first to provide a descriptive cost and inpatient burden analysis of mandible fracture management. To improve outcomes and reduce hospital cost and inpatient burden, protocols should be implemented to identify and mitigate factors that we identified as contributing to increased cost and length of hospitalization.

Lay summary: This study represents one of the largest reviews of cost and inpatient burden of mandible fractures. We found that presentation via transfer, traffic-related injuries, and more facial fractures were associated with significantly higher cost and longer length of hospitalization.

Level of evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.