Presentations 2020: OMFS

359 - “Return to work and play following facial injuries”: A review of advice given by maxillofacial clinicians in South Wales.

R Long S Ananth S Mustafa
Presented by: Ruby Long
Prince Charles Hospital

Aims: To gain a consensus from clinicians regarding the management of facial trauma within their own units across South Wales. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed by a Dental Core Trainee, Maxillofacial Registrar and Maxillofacial Consultant. The questionnaire included ten questions regarding the management of facial trauma and postoperative advice given. Initially a trial questionnaire was distributed to clinicians in our Hospital, it was then sent out to all maxillofacial clinicians across South Wales. The Results were then analysed using excel. Results: 58% of respondents reported having no local guidelines within their units regarding when patients should return to work or play following facial trauma. 73% said that they would not give differing advice for midface Vs mandibular fractures. Following facial fractures, 42% of respondents said advice on time off of work depended on the patients’ occupation/ injury type and treatment provided. 54% advised refraining from contact sports, heavy exercise and physical work for 5-6 weeks. 80% of respondents said that their advice given would not vary if a fracture was fixed Vs unfixed. 100% said that the presence of an extra-orbital device would not affect the advice given either. 65% of respondents said that if a patient was a professional athlete it would not affect their decision to operate. 78% said that being a professional sports person would not affect the post-operative advice given. Following midface fractures 33% of respondents advised air travel would be safe immediately. Conclusions: The results above give us an overview of the highly variable treatment protocols and advice currently being given across South Wales. Therefore highlighting the need for further confirmation on the subject. This data could be used to help formulate a guideline on the management of facial trauma to be used across South Wales.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

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