Cervical spine injuries in facial fracture patients − injury mechanism and fracture type matter. Issue 5 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Puolakkainen, Tero; Thorén, Hanna; Vähäsilta, Linda; Narjus-Sterba, Matilda; Wilson, Michael Lowery; Brinck, Tuomas; Snäll, Johanna
• Is Part Of: Journal of cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Volume 49:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 387
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Cervical spine injury -- Facial fracture -- Mandibular fracture -- Trauma; Skull -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- surgery -- Periodicals; Skull -- surgery -- Periodicals; Oral Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Surgery, Oral -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.514
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2021.01.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5182

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence supports the notion that craniofacial fractures are significant predictors of cervical spine injuries (CSIs), but some debate remains on the injury mechanism of co-existing CSIs in craniofacial fractures and the relationship between CSI and specific facial fractures. In this retrospective study, we aim to assess the incidence rates of specific facial fracture types as well as other important variables and their relationship with CSIs. The primary outcome variable, CSI, and several predictor variables, including facial fracture type, were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. Of 2919 patients, the total CSI incidence rate was 3.0%. Rates of CSI in patients with isolated mandibular fractures (OR 0.26 CI 0.10, 0.63; p = 0.006) were lower than those previously reported, whereas isolated nasal fractures were strongly associated with CSI (OR 2.67 CI 1.36, 5.22; p = 0.004). Patients with concomitant cranial injuries were twice as likely to have CSI (OR 2.00, CI 1.22, 3.27; p = 0.006). Even though there is a strong occurrence rate of CSIs in patients with cranial injuries, clinicians should be aware that patients presenting with isolated facial fractures are at significant risk for sustaining CSIs also.