Traumatology of the facial skeleton in octogenarian patients: A retrospective analysis of 96 cases

Abstract Aim The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency and distribution of maxillofacial trauma patients over 80 years, with regard to type and environment of accidents as well as treatment and complications. Patients and methods Data for 94 patients (96 cases; aged 80–94 years) with maxillofacial fractures were retrospectively analysed. Results Data of 30 male and 64 female patients with an average age of 85 years were analysed. In 90% of the study population, the cause of fractures was a fall, followed by traffic accidents (9%) and assault (1%). Seventy-two patients had fractures of the midface, 10 had factures of the mandible, 9 had fractures of both the midface and mandible and 5 had fractures of the neurocranium and midface. Surgical intervention was required in 57% of the patients. Post-operative complications were: four cases of diplopia, two cases of infected plates, four cases of lower eyelid ectropion and in one case a retrobulbar haematoma. Conclusion Facial trauma in the elderly can often be treated conservatively unless the patient complains of functional problems. Due to co-morbidities, special attention should be paid to hypertension, anticoagulant agents and the surgical approach.