361 An Epidemiological Study into The Incidence of Facial Fractures Presenting to Addenbrooke’s Emergency Department

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Our aim was to present the epidemiological estimates of facial fractures within East Anglia. Method We recorded all patients presenting with facial fractures to our Emergency Department between 2014-2019. All features relating to the patient profile and injury were recorded. We used the English Indices of Deprivation, along with the UK Census (2011), to assess for a correlation between factors such as deprivation status and age with specific causes of facial fractures. Results 2022 cases were collected totalling 2551 fractures. Mean patient age was 39. The overall leading causes of fractures were falls, assaults and sporting incidents (29.9%, 27.3%, and 17.1% respectively). Towns such as Newmarket and Cambridge demonstrated a distinct leading cause as a result of town-specific recreational activities; horse-riding and cycling respectively. We discovered a positive correlation between deprivation status and fractures due to assault. There was also a relationship between an older population and incidence of fractures due to falls. Conclusions Facial fractures reflect a significant cost-burden on the NHS, as well as an emotional burden on patients, which can be reduced by public health interventions and liaison between healthcare professionals and local county authorities. Sharing of these findings with the relevant parties may allow the implementation of location-specific interventions.