(408) Facial Trauma Trends within a Rural Northeast Hospital System and Implications of Future Surgical Intervention

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate facial trauma trends within a rural hospital system relative to regional and national incidences and highlight the trends in relation to surgical training on a large scale basis.

Methods: In this retrospective chart review, surgical facial trauma cases within a rural Northeast hospital system (1/1/2019–7/31/2025) were identified through medical records and operative CPT code data. Acute surgical intervention cases were analyzed to assess trends in demographics, fracture type, and operative intervention while excluding non-acute and soft-tissue–only injuries. Descriptive statistics and analyses were performed for this institution and compared to regional and statewide data obtained from marketing and other sources.

Results: Operative facial trauma volume declined by 37.1% across the system following the pandemic, with variability among hospitals, yet mirroring regional trends which showed a 19.2% decrease from 2019–2024. Open mandibular fixation experienced the greatest reduction down 11% in the evaluation of 26 unique CPT codes and 990 surgical procedures performed on 469 patients. Numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, but seasonally and annualized data suggests gradual rebound, especially when evaluating the years of 2023-2024. Statewide averages from 2019 to 2024 decreased by 25.8%. There is also a trend toward a more outpatient setting intervention. Mechanisms of injury and operative patterns are consistent with statewide data.

Conclusions: Over the period of this study, our institution recognized a decline in facial trauma related surgical procedures and a decline in number of unique patients. This data corresponded with regional and state-wide trends. Relevance to resident training and collaboration opportunities is addressed.