SP53. Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Outcomes of Facial Trauma Patients

PURPOSE: A well-known socioeconomic disparity exists amongst facial fracture patients, but there is scarce evidence exploring the impact of patient demographics and comorbidities on outcomes for facial traumas requiring surgical intervention with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This study aims to explore the relationship between these key patient characteristics in patients with facial fracture secondary to trauma that requires surgical management. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed on all patients admitted to Loyola University Medical Center for surgical management of facial fractures between 2010 and 2023. Patient demographics, insurance type, MRSA status, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Differences in categorical variables were assessed via one-sample Chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was used, with the p-value set to <0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Sex and ethnicity had no impact on outcomes in both uni- and multivariable analysis. Non-White patients, as well as patients who did not have private insurance, had higher rates of ER admission and hospital readmission. Overweight patients had higher rates of hospital readmission, while underweight patients had higher rates of wound dehiscence postoperatively. Patients testing positive for MRSA at any time perioperatively had increased rates of hematoma, ER admission, and hospital readmission. CONCLUSION: This study identifies important demographic factors that contribute to worsened outcomes following surgical intervention for facial trauma. Given the paucity of data evaluating these factors and the disproportionate representation of the uninsured in our patient population, further investigation is needed to optimize the management of craniofacial trauma.