Michelle Porter1, Madeline Lownie, Peter Cleaton-Jones. 1. Division of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. mich.porter@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken in an academic maxillofacial and oral surgical unit in a large quaternary hospital attached to the Medical School of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, between 2002 and 2006. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the number of days in seven patient management intervals from facial fracture occurrence to discharge from hospital, to gain insight into reasons for treatment delays. RESULTS: Facial fractures were treated a mean of 20.4 days from occurrence. There was a mean of 10.3 days from fracture to hospital presentation, and an identical period from hospital presentation to treatment. Statistical analysis showed that delay times decreased from 2002 to 2006. CONCLUSION: More rapid referral to the maxillofacial and oral surgical unit is the most practical way to reduce delays further.
BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken in an academic maxillofacial and oral surgical unit in a large quaternary hospital attached to the Medical School of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, between 2002 and 2006. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the number of days in seven patient management intervals from facial fracture occurrence to discharge from hospital, to gain insight into reasons for treatment delays. RESULTS:Facial fractures were treated a mean of 20.4 days from occurrence. There was a mean of 10.3 days from fracture to hospital presentation, and an identical period from hospital presentation to treatment. Statistical analysis showed that delay times decreased from 2002 to 2006. CONCLUSION: More rapid referral to the maxillofacial and oral surgical unit is the most practical way to reduce delays further.
Authors: Gaelen B Stanford-Moore; Gilbert Niyigaba; Gratien Tuyishimire; Jenny Yau; Amol Kulkrani; Victor Nyabyenda; Isaie Ncogoza; David A Shaye Journal: OTO Open Date: 2022-04-22