Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of the fractures and etiology of orofacial trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of oral and maxillofacial fractures (OMFs) by comparing current data with pre-pandemic trends.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria: Observational studies comparing current data from OMFs with pre-pandemic trends were eligible for inclusion.

INFORMATION SOURCES

An electronic search was conducted in six databases up to January 15, 2024 and gray literature and reference lists. Risk of bias: The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for analytical cross-sectional studies.

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS

Results were presented as both qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Prevalence and Comparative meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the location and etiology of OMFs in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods using R version 4.4.1.

RESULTS

Included studies: Fifty-one studies with 104,960 patients and 23,514 cases of OMFs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review.

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS

Mandibular fractures showed a decrease in prevalence from 24% in the pre-pandemic period to 20% during the pandemic (OR 0.73 [0.59-0.90], I = 62%). OMFs caused by falls and violence increased significantly, from 23% for 30% (OR 1.29 [1.06-1.57], I = 76%) and from 22% for 31% (OR 1.43 [1.04-1.98], I = 45%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the prevalence of OMFs, including an increase in cases caused by falls and interpersonal violence, as well as a decrease in mandibular fractures. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity and inconsistency found in the studies included in the review. The data presented here may inform public health policies and emergency response protocols for managing OMFTs in future global health crises like pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42023431119.