Impact of Automobile Restraint Device Utilization on Facial Fractures and Fiscal Implications for Plastic Surgeons.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2011

Abstract

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projected that 33,963 people would die and millions would be injured in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). Multiple studies have evaluated the impact of restraint devices in MVCs. This study examines longitudinal changes in facial fractures after MVC as result of utilization of restraint devices. The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation-Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study database was queried for MVCs from 1989 to 2009. Restraint device use was noted, and facial fractures were identified by International Classification of Diseases-ninth revision codes. Surgeon cost data were extrapolated. More than 15,000 patients sustained ≥1 facial fracture. Only orbital blowout fractures increased over 20 years. Patients were 2.1% less likely every year to have ≥1 facial fracture, which translated into decreased estimated surgeon charges. Increased use of protective devices by patients involved in MVCs resulted in a change in incidence of different facial fractures with reduced need for reconstructive surgery.

Volume

66

Issue

5

First Page

472

Last Page

475

ISSN

1536-3708

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

21451376

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership, Health Care Informatics

Document Type

Article

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